On Sunday, June 22, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi was celebrated in the United States. Thousands gathered in Los Angeles at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to welcome Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage reached its destination, concluding a five-week journey through the Midwest and Southwest. Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, who was appointed by the USCCB to spearhead the Revival, were among the numerous bishops in attendance at the Eucharistic Liturgy marking the conclusion of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival.
Last year, in addressing a plenary session of the USCCB in Louisville, KY, Cardinal Pierre spoke of the importance and purpose of the Revival. “We have set out on this Eucharistic Revival because we want our people to come to a renewed and deeper appreciation of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. We want them to know that Christ is there for them in the Eucharist: to receive their adoration, to accompany them in their earthly journey, and to feed them with the Bread of Life.”
Although the pilgrimage has ended, the work of the Revival will continue through the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC), diocesan congresses and various local and national initiatives. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV presided at a Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession from Saint John Lateran to Saint Mary Major. Tens of thousands lined the streets as our Holy Father carried the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament the entire way. In his homily at Mass on the evening prior to the procession, he commented, "Together, as shepherds and flock, we will feed on the Blessed Sacrament, adore Him and carry Him through the streets. In doing so, we will present Him before the eyes, the consciences and the hearts of the people. To the hearts of those who believe, so that they may believe more firmly; to the hearts of those who do not believe, so that they may reflect on the hunger present within them and the bread that alone can satisfy it.”
Bishop Cozzens commented that the USCCB’s National Eucharistic Revival has been “a beautiful evangelistic moment and has exceeded his expectations for success.” Bishop Cozzens added “I said we wanted to start a fire, not a program. Today that fire of the Holy Spirit is burning brightly.”
May the Spirit continue this great work and may God bless you and your families.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
