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What is a Eucharistic Revival and why do we need it?

Last year, our U.S. bishops responded to the alarming news that two-thirds of all U.S. Catholics, and nearly a third of Sunday Mass attendees, do not believe that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.  Reacting to these disturbing figures, the bishops voted overwhelmingly in support of the Eucharistic Revival in hopes of promoting faith and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

The bishops laid out a three-year initiative with the goal to inspire, educate, and unite. In a world where not many people know Jesus intimately, this revival is meant to show everyone what wonders the True Presence of Jesus can do to heal the soul.  The bishops have carefully planned a timeline of events, that at its conclusion, they hope to change the lives of many Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

The Revival was launched on June 19, 2022, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Its mission is to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”  From now through June 2023, each diocese has and will continue to offer, events that promote and inspire an understanding of the Eucharist. In our Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, there have been two Discipleship Summits on Eucharistic Revival. These summits provided attendees with enlightenment and instruction to be “eucharistic missionaries,” someone who is equipped to give witness of their love for Jesus and His presence in the Blessed Sacrament. (Theologians need not apply.)

From June 2023 through July 2024 and beyond, the Revival will include a Year of Parish Revival, a National Eucharistic Congress in 2024, and the National Year of Mission (July 2024 - June 2025).  Each year will be dedicated to serving a special purpose in the Revival’s mission.

The major national event will be the National Eucharistic Congress that will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 21-24, 2024.  Over 100,000 Catholics are expected to “worship our Risen Lord in his humble disguise” and allow the Holy Spirit to “enkindle a missionary fire in the heart of our nation.” This “National Pilgrimage” will have both in-person and remote options, so everyone can take part in this solemn celebration.

When this Revival concludes, its success will not be measured in the number of well-trained catechists, but by how many American Catholics approach the Blessed Sacrament with stronger faith and deeper reverence.  We will rejoice in the number of Catholics who are transformed from their unbelief to belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Such a mission deserves our prayers.

Learn more at eucharisticrevival.org