By Sr. Teresa Marie
School Sisters of Christ the King
This past July, I had the privilege of attending the National Eucharistic Congress alongside many of my Sisters and about 60,000 other people. The thought of the Congress still brings awe and consolation to my heart.
Eight of my Sisters and I arrived in Indianapolis a couple of days before the Congress began, in order to walk the last leg of the National Eucharistic Procession routes. Early the next morning, we arrived at the church for a special holy hour with the perpetual pilgrims of the Marian Route and others who, like us, had come to adore and accompany Our Eucharistic Lord to His final procession stop at St. John the Evangelist Church, which was located right across the street from the convention center. As I adored the Lord, the words that came to my heart were, “He is here.”
The procession began, and as we walked, the Holy Spirit continued to speak to my heart. In our short 3-mile walk that day, I witnessed many people standing along the road, driving by in cars, and working at large construction sites. They inquisitively looked at our small group. I don’t know what they must have thought, or if they knew Who was passing by. It may have appeared quite strange to see an odd-looking umbrella hovering over a golden vessel with a long line of people who followed behind. But the words came again, and my heart ached as I wanted to run up to them, look them in the eyes, and say, “He is here!” I wanted everyone to know that my Beloved, my Bridegroom, my King was the One passing by.
I was so deeply moved by walking with the perpetual pilgrims. My eyes filled with tears at their faith in His presence to dedicate their whole summer to make Him known. They had walked and driven hundreds of miles and prayed hundreds of holy hours those days! As we made our way through the streets of downtown Indianapolis, I noticed that the perpetual pilgrims were taking off their shoes and socks. Their silent action of walking the last mile barefoot shouted the truth of His presence. As we approached the front of the church, I was convinced that if the graces of the procession were the only grace God had for me on this trip it would be enough. Jesus was giving me the gift of a deepening in my spousal love for Him, and the desire to make His presence known and loved.
The next evening, when the Congress began in Lucas Oil Stadium, the four pilgrimage routes were introduced with a short video clip. Then, the perpetual pilgrims walked into the stadium. The stadium erupted into joyful shouts of gratitude and awe at the young people who had given so much to make Jesus in the Eucharist known. The energy in the stadium was high, yet minutes later, it went completely silent. We watched the video announce a more spectacular guest than the perpetual pilgrims, by the words, “He is here!”
There in the middle of the stadium, Jesus, our Eucharistic King was carried in. The contrast from the high energy to the reverential silence before the King of Kings was striking.
Throughout the next days of the Congress, the words “He is here” continued to unfold in so many ways: the beautiful and reverent Masses, daily Adoration, and the amazing Eucharistic procession, just to name a few. But even as I find myself back in the classroom, teaching, I find the revival still occurring.
This Eucharistic Revival has been a time of renewal and strength. I have witnessed His presence transforming areas of my heart that are chaotic into paths of peace. I recently heard someone say that when we receive the Eucharist, Jesus comes and enters those areas of life that are in most need of physical and emotional healing. It was suggested to specifically name that area of need. I’ve approached the Eucharist with this in mind, and know that His healing power is at work.
Just a few weeks ago, He let me know of His presence in a deeper way. I was seated in a pew next to a child who had trouble paying attention. After Mass, Father exposed the Blessed Sacrament, and little “Joe” seemed to be more interested in having his fingers jump and run on the top of the pew than knowing Jesus was present on the altar. I whispered, “Joe, Joe, look! Jesus is coming out just to see you.” Joe reverently folded his hands and said, “I know! He is right behind that little piece of glass. He is there!” Joe reminded me that even when things seem to be chaotic, He is right there.
May this time of Eucharistic Revival be a time for each of us to know He is here. He is truly Emmanuel, God with us.
