The month of November has numerous designations in the retail world, including “friendsgiving” and “momsgiving.” For Nazareth Sisters, the month of November is truly a time of thanksgiving and commemoration of two important events in the life of our Mother Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and our Congregation: our Mother’s birth anniversary on November 12 and her feast day on November 21. The month also includes a national and family-centered holiday established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Lincoln designated the fourth Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving and prayer. The first celebration of this holiday, though, was documented as occurring in Virginia in 1619. How fitting that we are grateful for these events, as the word “Eucharist” originates from the Greek “eucharistia,” meaning “thanksgiving.”
Recently, Pope Leo created a new Doctor of the Church: St. John Henry Cardinal Newman. The episcopal motto of Cardinal Newman was “Cor ad cor loquitur,” which translates from Latin to “Heart speaks to heart”. This motto reflects Newman’s belief that genuine faith is not just intellectual, but a personal and honest dialogue with Christ. This dialogue is nourished through frequent Eucharistic adoration.
In the early days of the Eucharistic Revival, demographics showed a greater participation by older Catholics. As the movement progressed, an increasing number of young people sought to develop a relationship with the Eucharistic Lord. The vast number of young people seeking our Lord was evident during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimages in 2024 and 2025. Recently, a new group of Eucharistic Perpetual Pilgrims has been recruited for the 2026 pilgrimage, scheduled to take place from May 21 to July 8.
Our lives are busy, and it is easy to get caught up in daily distractions and not put God first. The Eucharist is a powerful means of conquering difficult situations. Saint John Bosco counseled disadvantaged youth in 19th-century Turin, “If you want to receive many graces, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament often; if you want to receive some graces, then visit occasionally; and to not receive any graces, never visit.” A relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist will help us to become a better version of ourselves.
A unique event will take place in our country on November 21. Pope Leo will host a virtual visit to the youth assembled at Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, our Holy Father is encouraging young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus. The event will be broadcast live on EWTN beginning at 10:15 a.m. News and resources to keep you up to date and involved in the Eucharistic Revival’s mission can be found at https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/revival-resources.
Blessings on you and your families as we strive to grow closer to our Eucharistic Lord, especially during this month of Thanksgiving and the approaching Advent Season.
Sister M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
