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August 7, 2024, Indianapolis, Indiana – “It’s a huge tent that the [Catholic] Church is. We got to see a part of it.”

That was the response of Sister Nancy Jurecki, OP, one of four Adrian Dominican Sisters who attended the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. Held July 17-21, 2024, at the Lucas Oil Football Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Eucharistic Congress drew 50,000 Catholics. 

Adrian Dominican Sisters attending with Sister Nancy were Sisters Mary Soher, OP, Nery (Luchy) Sori, OP, and Barbara Kelley, OP. They attended in response to encouragement by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) for women in their member congregations to be a presence at the Congress.

The National Eucharistic Congress was planned, in part, to revive the understanding and appreciation by Catholics of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The event opened on the evening of July 17 with a revival session, including sessions of praise and inspirational talks. 

Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to attend daily Mass at several locations, followed by Morning Impact Sessions, various series of talks aimed at youth, families, priests, and other Catholics. Each day also included afternoon workshops and evening revivals. Workshops focused on various topics, from the Syond and the ministry of justice and peace to the Biblical Theology of the Eucharist, the pro-life position, and evangelization through the Eucharist.

Participants also had the opportunity for private adoration in a nearby church, for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and time to browse in the extensive exhibit hall. Many participants were attracted by the National Shroud of Turin exhibit, the Reliquary Chapel, and the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit – all of which drew long lines.

The event culminated with a Eucharistic Procession in downtown Indianapolis on July 20, 2024, and a closing Mass in Lucas Oil Stadium on July 21, 2024.

The Adrian Dominican Sisters were impressed by the number and the faithfulness of the Catholics in attendance. “For me, the highlight was how many people were there,” Sister Luchy said. “They’re searching for something that will build them up.”

Sister Mary agreed. “It was hard to see the hunger of the People of God and wish that this was something [they] could find within local dioceses …. There’s a hunger out there to deepen their relationship with God, and wouldn’t it be nice if that hunger could be fed closer to home?”

Noting the challenge of traveling from one place to another among the crowd, Sister Barb was also moved by the devotion of the people, as testified by the hour-long wait for confession and by the people who packed St. John Church as they prayed in silence. 

Sister Nancy was impressed by the number of young families who attended the Congress. “I can’t imagine what they had to sacrifice to be there – and having so many kids to keep up with,” she said. “The sincerity of the people was overwhelming.”

Families were especially involved in a service opportunity offered by the Million Dollar Movement. Volunteers could drop in to help assemble meals for people in need. Sister Nancy recalled working with a family: a young brother and two sisters. One girl, 6 or 7 years old, “was so efficient and effective” in the work, she said. “These kids knew the importance of giving.”

The Sisters were also inspired by various programs offered during the Congress. A highlight for Sister Mary was a workshop for people who minister in the Church. The speakers pointed out that “people who minister in the Church also have a right to be ministered to, and you can’t call people to Jesus if you don’t have time to deepen your own relationship with Jesus,” she said. She compared this lesson to the Dominican tradition: “contemplate and share with others the fruits of your contemplation.”

Sister Nancy appreciated the family rosary, held before the morning Mass and broadcast from Lucas Oil Stadium. Between each decade, the radio announcer asked people from the assembly for their intentions. “It was very engaging,” Sister Nancy said. She was also impressed by the faith-sharing of men who attended a workshop on the Synod on Synodality. 

For Sister Barb, a key moment was the healing session during one of the Morning Impact Sessions, Encounter. “It was very deep and opened me up to Jesus and to the idea of opening myself up and surrendering,” she said.

The Sisters came away from the Eucharistic Congress inspired and hopeful for the Church and the People of God. “It’s really a matter of coming and listening,” Sister Mary said. “This has been an opportunity to listen and view another perspective of the Church.”   

Sister Nancy added: “I think if it’s going to enliven the Church and bring in vocations, it’s wonderful.”