The National Eucharistic Congress was held in Indianapolis July 17 – 21. And faithful from the Diocese of Raleigh were part of the national event!
Kathleen Kozak described it as “a sea of humanity” and “a bit of a family reunion.” It was an opportunity for her and fellow traveler and son, Conor, to visit the booth of Catholic University, where he is a freshman this fall. It was a chance to connect at the Regnum Christi booth and visit Legionaries of Christ seminarians she met a year ago when they visited Cardinal Gibbons High School, where Kozak is a theology educator and director of campus ministry.
NC Catholics reached to Kozak and five other attendees to learn what resonated with them.
‘A beautiful time’
Mass was amazing this morning! We had morning impact sessions … [the] family experience. The kids loved Father Leo. Then we went to the Eucharistic Miracles and Relic Exhibit. Now we are resting before the Bernadette de Lourdes musical and revival session 2. Here’s our first group picture … we loved every minute. The kids are already planning to attend the 11th National Eucharistic Congress in 2033. I am still in awe of everything. I keep looking at this picture of the priests and bishops and praying for vocations.
Laura Harris, St. Peter, Greenville
‘Showered with many gifts’
After walking 6,000 miles from the four corners of America with his people … Jesus called me, [my husband] Ed and 60,000 all over the world for five days. Others who couldn't come watched on the internet. [Jesus] was physically present in the Eucharistic. He showered his children with many gifts of amazing speakers, music, his healing touch and love. Then with tearful eyes and joyful hearts, we left to go back to our own holy places called home.
Michelle Simmonds, St. Paul, New Bern
‘It might be more’
We drove to Dayton, Ohio … and then Indianapolis. We were surprised by all the traffic on I-70.! Met St. Michael folks for dinner. There were nine of us. Enjoying it so far. [My wife] Emily and I went to a plenary session Thursday, and Mass Friday morning. I don’t think I have attended one with this many priests! The entrance processional and Communion were each nearly 30 minutes long. [We went to] a concert at Lucas Oil Stadium Friday night, and Eucharistic procession downtown. I heard one estimate that 100,000 people were there. I honestly think it might be more!
Jeff Vista, St. Michael the Archangel, Cary
‘In the moment’
Good morning! Still working today. Today, Sunday, is our last day and ends at 3:30 p.m. It has been so amazing! I worked in guest services all week, registering the 60,000 in attendance. I got a pic with Jeff Cavins from Ascension Press Media! I walked in the Eucharistic procession … after a while I was in the moment and stopped taking pics.
Maureen Hooper, St. Therese, Wilson
‘Hundreds were standing’
[My son] Jake and I stayed in an Airbnb by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last night! We could see it from our window … so loud from racers! Youth Mass was with Bishop Robert Lombardo … at the end he called up all the priests, seminarians and religious and then invited all youth who had considered religious life to join them. Hundreds were standing. [Later that day] we ran into fellow St. Paul parishioners Michelle and Ed Simmonds. Jake talked to some of the different religious communities. [It] was one of the highlights!
Marisa McDonald, St. Paul, New Bern
‘The days were so full’
We got up at 5 a.m. to register … it’s been a full day with a much-needed afternoon nap! We went to adoration at St. John the Evangelist Church … they are having perpetual adoration for the duration of the congress. We went to morning Mass for the youth, with Bishop Robert Lombardo. We went to Revival Session 2 … [My son] Conor did the youth impact session, and I did the renewal for ministers. On our way back to the hotel we encountered Marianella, also from the Diocese of Raleigh, who I have ministered with for the St. Joseph Missions with Gibbons. They joy we felt … was so special when we saw each other in the crowd.
Kathleen Kozak, St. Francis of Assisi, Raleigh
*NC Catholics gathered the info and edited responses for space and style.
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