Bishop Barry C. Knestout shared some thoughts in anticipation of the National Eucharistic Congress.
He said that Eucharistic congresses came about during times in history when there was a growth in secularism and a sense that the faith was being challenged.
Congresses came forth “from a desire to elevate and recapture a sense of the divine, the sacred,” Bishop Knestout explained.
“We have in our present era a growing influence of a secular mentality approach,” said the bishop, adding that there have been more problems in all aspects of society because of it.
“The awareness of these problems among the bishops inspired a desire that we might highlight – lift up – this important belief that we have as Catholics in Our Lord’s presence,” he said.
Bishop Knestout said he was looking forward to celebrating the faith with the greater Catholic community. “Our journey of faith is not something we do by ourselves, individually. It’s not just ‘me and Jesus’ or a personal spirituality,” he said.
“It is communal – there is a sense that we are walking together, we’re strengthening one another, and we pray for one another,” the bishop continued. “Of course, the Lord accompanies us in the day-to-day as much as he accompanies us in special events … but he is with us all the time, and in a very tangible way in the Eucharist.”
Bishop Knestout said he is grateful for anyone who participates in devotions to the Eucharist and the life of their parish. “That’s the heart and soul of our Catholic life – is to connect with our parish communities.”
“The hope is that devotion will be encouraged, will be deepened,” said the bishop, “and that will be a blessing for all those we encounter.”