At the onset of the National Eucharistic Revival, Bishop Andrew Cozzens noted that we “hope to start a fire, not a program.” Yes, the Revival is more than a program or series of events. I say “is” because the Revival is ongoing. For three years, the Holy Spirit has been at work, stirring hearts, renewing faith, and drawing people into relationship with Our Eucharistic Lord; a relationship that, for many, has become personal and transformative.
The Revival did not end this past June on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in Los Angeles. People continue to live their lives differently and think differently through encounters with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Revival continues to manifest itself on the parish and diocesan levels through growth in Sunday and daily Mass attendance, increased opportunities for and participation in Eucharistic adoration, and outreach to the poor and those in need.
One example of Eucharistic fervor is an increase in the number of hours of Eucharistic adoration. This past year, in the Salina, KS diocese, an additional 26,000 hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament was observed. This Kansas diocese, under the leadership of its shepherd, Bishop Jerry Vincke, continues to sponsor annual Eucharistic congresses, processions, and pilgrimages. At their recent gathering in Washington, DC, the Knights of Columbus committed to furthering the mission of the Revival through sponsoring and supporting Eucharistic activities on the parish level. Jason Shanks, Eucharistic Congress President, maintains, “This Eucharistic revival can and must be ongoing. Every Mass is a moment of renewal. Every hour of Eucharistic adoration is an invitation to be transformed. Every act of charity rooted in the Eucharist carries the revival forward.”
This past week, one million young people from around the world gathered in Rome for the Jubilee for Young People. One of the highlights was a Eucharistic Holy Hour in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which was attended and sponsored by the United States contingent. At the onset of the Holy Hour, young people processed in while holding portraits of familiar Eucharistic models for youth: Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Bl. Carlo Manuel Rodriquez, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, and the Servant of God Michelle DuPong, in addition to well-known religious and clergy: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Katherine Drexel, Bl. Michael McGivney, Bl. Stanley Rother and Bl. Solanus Casey. These intercessors are with us each step of the way. In addressing the young people that night, Bishop Robert Barron reminded those assembled (and us) that “we can’t go on mission alone.” The powerful friendships of these holy men and women support us.
Although three years have elapsed, Jesus in the Eucharist is still inviting us into relationship with Him, as long as we are responding, the Revival is alive and well.
May God bless you and your families in this mission.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
