The National Eucharistic Congress just ended in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sr. Cathy Bauer from our Benedictine Community joined Benedictine Sisters from Beech Grove, Indiana to attend the event.
Although I did not attend this Eucharistic Congress, I remember attending the International Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1976 with the Legion of Mary. I remember the procession through the streets of Philadelphia witnessing to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I remember the joy and energy of our singing and walking or standing, bearing witness to our faith.
I remember hearing three keynote speakers in an auditorium. They were Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa and Dom Helder Camara, Archbishop of Brazil. They shared their stories with us. I remember Mother Theresa urging us in America to love those around us and in particular to promote love in our families with our children. This, according to Mother Theresa was an important need here in America. Today I am reminded of her famous saying, “Do small things with great love”.
We believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. We also believe that Jesus is present in us who receive the Eucharist. St. Paul tells us that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
I believe the three keynote speakers that I heard at the Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were examples to us all. How do we let Christ live in us? How do we take Christ to others?