What will you do to help others encounter Jesus in the Eucharist? What will you do to bring others to the Eucharist to facilitate this encounter? This is the challenge for each of us in this Year of Mission and beyond. It is not simply a box to be checked off.
Perhaps you have seen the photo of Pope Leo XIV, when as Bishop Robert Prevost, he processed with the Blessed Sacrament through the empty streets of his diocese of Chiclayo, Peru during the Covid pandemic. It was reminiscent of a similar image during that time of Pope Francis processing with Jesus in a monstrance in an empty Saint Peter’s Square. Jesus was among His people during that frightening time when the world seemed to have come to a stop. Jesus is still among us and leading the way. Today we are asked to repeat with Peter’s successor, Pope Leo XIV, the affirmation, “You are the Christ,” and commit to a daily journey of conversion. One person’s witness can make a huge impact.
On Sunday, May 18, in an outward display of hope, a car van with 8 youthful, perpetual pilgrims representing the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States accompanied by a chaplain, began crisscrossing the Midwest and Southwest, covering more than 3,340 miles across 10 states while partnering with 21 archdioceses and 4 eparchies. The pilgrimage began in Indianapolis with a Mass of Thanksgiving by Archbishop Charles Thompson. In his homily, Archbishop Thompson reminded those assembled that our Eucharistic faith is not meant to be kept within the walls of a church. It is up to us to proclaim Jesus; showing joy and love while engaging in the corporal works of mercy.
The pilgrimage will conclude on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in Los Angeles. You can register at https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/ Even if you are unable to participate in any of the pilgrimage events, Jesus is as close as the tabernacle in the nearest Catholic Church.
In his encyclical Mediator Dei, Pope Pius XII encouraged active participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice. This does not mean singing loudly, swaying in pews, or clapping hands. Each Mass is an opportunity to personally encounter Christ. Friendships need to be cultivated. Friends need to spend time together. Friendships need to be inclusive; at the conclusion of each Mass, we are commissioned to take the grace of that Eucharistic encounter with Jesus and share Him with everyone we meet. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Love for the Eucharist is alive in our youth. Following his encounter with American youth in 1993 during World Youth Day in Denver, Pope St. John Paul II predicted that the New Evangelization would begin in the US. Please continue to keep the Eucharistic Revival in your prayers. May God bless you and your families.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
