The 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis concluded with a stirring Mass led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the papal envoy and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Speaking to over 50,000 attendees, Cardinal Tagle emphasized the theme of “Remain in Me” from the Gospel of John, calling for a renewed commitment to both Eucharistic and missionary conversion.
Reflecting on Jesus’ mission as a gift from the Father, Cardinal Tagle noted, “Jesus is sent to be given by the Father to others.” He explained that the Eucharist encapsulates this gift, as Jesus offers His body and blood for the life of the world. He challenged the faithful to view their lives and the world through the lens of gift rather than mere achievement. “Do we still look at ourselves, persons, objects, work, society, events, and creation within the horizon of gift?” he asked, warning that losing this perspective leads to self-absorption and a lack of missionary zeal.
“Mission is not just about work but also about the gift of oneself,” the cardinal said. “Jesus fulfills his mission by giving himself, his flesh, his presence to others as the Father wills it. The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a gift and the fulfillment of his mission.”
According to Cardinal Tagle, who is the international leader of The Pontifical Mission Societies, there is “a lack or a weakening of missionary zeal,” and this could be “partly due to a weakening in the appreciation of gifts and giftedness.”
“When pessimism takes over, we see only darkness, failures, problems, things to complain about,” he continued. “We do not see gifts in persons and events. And those who do not see gifts in themselves and in others, they will not give gifts; they will not go on a mission.”
The cardinal asked those present to examine their own consciences in considering why some people choose to walk away from the Eucharistic Lord, preferring “his absence rather than his presence in their lives.”
“I invite you to pause and ask rather painful questions about this mysterious rejection of Jesus by his disciples — by his disciples,” Cardinal Tagle said. “Is it possible that we disciples contribute to the departure of others from Jesus?
“Why do some people leave Jesus, when he is giving the most precious gift of eternal life? Why do some baptized turn away from the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist?” he asked.”Does our biblical, catechetical and liturgical formation allow the gift of Jesus’ person to shine forth clearly? Does our Eucharistic celebration manifest Jesus’ presence or does it obscure the presence of Jesus?”
“Those who choose to stay with Jesus will be sent by Jesus,” he said. “The gift of his presence and love for us will be our gift to people. We should not keep Jesus to ourselves. That is not discipleship. That is selfishness. The gift we have received we should give as a gift.”
He invited them to “share Jesus’ tender love” with “the weary, the hungry and suffering.”
Everyone is ready to walk with Jesus!
Are you here?! #EucharisticCongress #Eucharist pic.twitter.com/xIIznMCeNM
— The Pontifical Mission Societies in the U.S. (@TPMS_USA) July 20, 2024
“Go and share Jesus’ shepherd’s caress to the lost, confused and weak. … Go and share Jesus’ gift of reconciliation and peace to those who are divided,” he said.
“A Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people,” he said. “Let us proclaim Jesus joyfully and zealously for the life of the world!”
Addressing the difficult reality of disciples who abandoned Jesus, as narrated in John 6, Cardinal Tagle invited introspection on whether the Church’s actions sometimes contribute to this departure. “Is it possible that we disciples contribute to the departure of others from Jesus?” he asked, urging a deeper engagement with the Eucharist and its transformative power. He also highlighted the need to welcome those who feel marginalized, such as the poor, migrants, and the elderly, ensuring they feel part of the Church community.
Cardinal Tagle called on the faithful to share the love and compassion they have received from Jesus with the weary, the lost, and the divided. “We should not keep Jesus to ourselves. That is not discipleship. That is selfishness,” he stated.
Finally, Cardinal Tagle conveyed the blessings and prayers of Pope Francis, who expressed hope that the Congress would bear much fruit for the renewal of the Church and society in the United States. The papal envoy concluded by telling a story from his time as a parish priest, illustrating the need to live out the Eucharist in daily life. He recounted the dedication of a woman whose extraordinary devotion to the Church led her to be present at all times. However, when thanked for her service, she revealed that her constant presence was a way to avoid her family. Cardinal Tagle emphasized, “When the priest or deacon says, ‘The Mass is ended. Go in the peace of Christ,’ please go! What you have heard, touched, and tasted, you must share with others.”
The message was clear as the Congress drew to a close: Eucharistic people are missionaries and evangelizing people. Cardinal Tagle’s powerful call to action inspired attendees to carry the fire of Eucharistic revival back to their homes, communities, and beyond, proclaiming Jesus joyfully and zealously for the life of the world.
The 10th National Eucharistic Congress, which took place in Indianapolis from July 17 to 21, 2024, marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the United States. This gathering, the first of its kind in over 80 years, was a profound celebration of the Eucharist and a testament to the enduring love of Jesus Christ. This event drew tens of thousands of faithful from across the country, and it is a critical phase in the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival.
