National Eucharistic Congress will return to Indianapolis in 2029
Pilgrims cheer as Dave and Lauren Moore and others perform on July 19, 2024, during the third revival night of the July 17-21 National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)
Special to The Criterion
The National Eucharistic Congress will return to Indianapolis in the summer of 2029, bringing Catholics from across the United States together once again for a national celebration centered on Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist.
Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress, Inc., and Archbishop Charles C. Thompson announced on Oct. 20 that the city of Indianapolis has been selected to host the next National Eucharistic Congress, inviting Catholics throughout the nation to begin looking toward the next chapter of the eucharistic movement in the United States. (Related story: Archbishop Thompson ‘grateful, honored’ for Indianapolis to host 2029 National Eucharistic Congress)
“When I look back on the journey that brought us to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, I am in awe at what the Lord did to bring us to 2024 and what he continues to do,” Bishop Cozzens said in a press release announcing the 2029 event. “Today, I am filled with gratitude and excitement to announce that Indianapolis will once again host the National Eucharistic Congress in 2029.”
More than 50,000 Catholics gathered in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024, marking the return of the national Congress tradition to the United States after more than 80 years.
“Many have said that the 2024 Congress was a beginning, not an end,” Bishop Cozzens said. “I believe that even more strongly today as I encounter people everywhere who say they were impacted by the National Eucharistic Congress.”
The 2029 Congress will not simply recreate the experience of 2024. Instead, it will build upon what God has already begun through the National Eucharistic Revival, according to congress leaders.
The Eucharistic Revival has continued to bear fruit before and after the 2024 Congress, with impact report data revealing renewed participation in eucharistic adoration and confession, greater reverence at Mass, increased confidence among clergy in preaching about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and growth in parish evangelization and service.
New adoration chapels have opened, local Eucharistic initiatives have flourished, seminarian enrollment has grown, religious vocations have been born and increasing numbers of people have entered the Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The 2029 Congress will seek to build upon these fruits and invite the Church into an even deeper encounter with Christ and a renewed commitment to mission.
Indianapolis was selected following careful consideration of potential host cities and venues across the country. The National Eucharistic Congress evaluated facilities, accessibility, hospitality and each city’s ability to serve the mission of the Congress.
“It is a great joy and honor to once again host the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis,” said Archbishop Thompson. “The gathering in 2024 was a powerful reminder that, while we come from different parishes, dioceses and walks of life, we are united as one Body of Christ. As we look forward to 2029, may this gathering strengthen our bonds of communion and reinvigorate us in our baptismal call to go forth and spread the mission of the Gospel.”
Indianapolis stood out as a central city uniquely positioned to welcome Catholics from throughout the nation, said Sarah Houde, chief operating officer of the National Eucharistic Congress, Inc.
“The city, the Church in Indiana and the local community demonstrated extraordinary hospitality during the 2024 Congress,” Houde noted. “The city’s existing infrastructure and our established local relationships provide a strong foundation for the next Congress to be successfully hosted here once again.”
“Perhaps most importantly, returning to Indianapolis helps establish a lasting rhythm for the life of the Church in the United States,” Bishop Cozzens said. “With the support of my brother bishops, we expect the National Eucharistic Congress has now become a gathering that Catholics can anticipate, prepare for and carry forward together for many years to come.”
The National Eucharistic Congress is, at its heart, an invitation from one local Church to the whole Church to gather in worship. In 2029, Indianapolis will once again open its doors to Catholics from across the nation to come together around the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
“The Lord has already shown us what can happen when we place Jesus Christ in the Eucharist at the center and surrender our lives to him,” Bishop Cozzens said. “I believe the Lord wants to do even more than he did before. I believe he is bringing about a great movement of evangelization in our country. The year 2029 in Indianapolis will be a powerful moment to invite the Holy Spirit to unite and strengthen us. God has already shown us he will not be outdone in generosity when the Church gathers to worship him. See you in Indy in 2029!”
Additional details about dates, registration, programming and opportunities to participate in the 2029 National Eucharistic Congress will be announced at a later date. †