Welcome to the United States National Eucharistic Congress! Today, we have the honor of hearing from His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, as he addresses this historic event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on 17th July 2024.
Let us all begin by praising Jesus Christ in unity!
In his address, His Eminence expresses his joy to be part of this national Eucharistic Congress. He commends Bishop Cozzens for his leadership in spearheading this Eucharistic Revival and thanks Tim Glemkowski and the organizing team for their hard work. He extends his prayers for a deep encounter with Christ during these sacred days.
As the personal representative of the Holy Father to the United States, His Eminence Cardinal Pierre emphasizes the importance of unity within the Church. He quotes the Second Vatican Council, highlighting the role of the Holy Father as the visible link that unites us in faith. The Cardinal stresses that the Eucharist is not only a sacrament but also a source of unity, as beautifully articulated by St. John Paul II.
His Eminence Cardinal Pierre invites us to reflect on the essence of “Eucharistic revival.” He poses the question of how we can recognize this revival in our lives and emphasizes the need for unity within the Church to fulfill our mission effectively. He explains that true revival goes beyond devotional practices; it transforms our encounters with others, bridging divides and fostering love.
He delves into the significance of Eucharistic adoration as a form of deep relationship with Christ, urging us to see His presence not only in the Sacrament but also in the people around us. The Cardinal emphasizes that a revived Eucharistic life leads to a new way of seeing and thinking, aligning our minds with that of Christ.
In conclusion, His Eminence Cardinal Pierre calls for pastoral conversion, acknowledging that the challenges we face can only be overcome through God’s grace. He encourages us to pray for true Eucharistic revival, allowing Christ to lead us to new life and become ambassadors of His Kingdom.
Let us embrace this Eucharistic Congress as a time of spiritual renewal and unity, guided by the real presence of Christ in our lives.