Before he left for Indianapolis, Bishop Barry C. Knestout had a feeling that the 10th National Eucharistic Congress would be full of moving experiences. He was right.
Bishop Knestout was one of nearly 4,000 clergy and religious brothers and sisters who encountered the power of Jesus’ Real Presence at the congress July 17-21, the pinnacle of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival.
“Whenever tens of thousands of the faithful gather, for pilgrimage or devotion, as well as at Mass and adoration, one can’t help but to feel encouraged,” Bishop Knestout said after returning from Indianapolis.
“Five days of prayer, reflections, devotional practice, and celebration of the sacraments with so many fellow Catholics gives me added confidence that the faith is vibrant in our country and the grace that flows from it is abundant,” he continued.
Bishop Knestout said his time at the congress was unfortunately cut short because he fell ill, forcing him to return home on July 20. He had traveled in the four days leading up to the congress, including to Burlington, Vermont, where his former classmate from seminary was installed as bishop of that diocese.
Before the congress, the bishop shared that he has had some very moving experiences carrying Our Lord in Eucharistic processions – including each year at the Diocesan Youth Conference in Richmond – so he was disappointed he had to leave just hours before the massive procession in downtown Indianapolis July 20.
Looking at the pictures that were shared on social media, the bishop said the downtown Indy procession was clearly the “spiritual high point” of the congress.
“Just the same, I am deeply appreciative of the time I was able to spend with so many other Catholics who were excited about deepening their understanding and practice of our faith,” said Bishop Knestout.
He added that he was especially grateful for the daily Masses inside Lucas Oil Stadium: “I found the music, reverence and reflections offered at the Masses to be beautiful and spiritually enriching.”
He also said that attending something as momentous as the National Eucharist Congress brings him extra joy as a bishop. He was one of about 200 bishops who attended.
“Just as any of us takes pride in, and are encouraged by, the successes or accomplishments of our close family members,” said Bishop Knestout, “the spiritual lives and vocations of bishops and priests are strengthened by the prayer and virtuous example of our parishioners.”
“The greatest joy of any priest is to see the faith flourish in those to whom they minister,” he added.
“My ongoing prayer for all the people of the Diocese of Richmond, even if most were not able to take part in the congress,” the bishop continued, “is that the attention given to the congress will inspire everyone to deepen their practice of the faith.”
“There are many opportunities in our parishes and within the diocese for encountering Our Lord in the sacraments, deepening our devotion in prayer, and participating in Eucharistic adoration,” said Bishop Knestout.
He emphasized that the revival is not over, and that the Church exists to evangelize. The end of the congress marked the beginning of the third, and final, year of the National Eucharist Revival – the Year of Mission.
The bishop said, “Whether we have the opportunity to participate in events like the Eucharistic Congress, we can always find ways to share our faith by word and example at home, work and school.”
“We are each called, by our baptism and confirmation, to seek ways, small and great, to share our faith with all those we encounter,” he added.