180 people from Des Moines Diocese head to Eucharistic Congress

July 16, 2024

About 180 people from across the Des Moines Diocese are traveling to be with tens of thousands of others at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this week.

Three years ago, the U.S. bishops launched a Eucharistic Revival focused on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The revival culminates with the Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Deacon Mark Campbell, of the Basilica of St. John Parish, hopes the National Eucharist Pilgrimage across the country culminating with the Eucharistic Congress will draw people who’ve strayed from the faith back into the fold.

“My hope and prayer is that this is just what the Church needs to set ablaze a love for the Eucharist that brings those who have fallen away or rejected the true presence of Christ back to his Church,” he said.

Gail Johll, also a member of the Basilica of St. John and whose sister Diane Mahoney penned the theme song for the gathering, called the Congress a monumental event that will elevate the awareness of the mystery of the body of Christ.

“The gift of the Eucharist is priceless and I am looking forward to celebrating the Lord’s presence at this tremendous gathering,” she said.

Attending the Eucharistic Congress will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to share time with like-minded individuals, said Mary and Gary Haselton, of St. John Parish in Norwalk.

“It’s something to help deepen our faith and our understanding of the Eucharist,” said Gary.