Banners available to help parishes, schools kick off national revival

June 14, 2022

In an effort to help kick-start the U.S. bishops’ Eucharistic Revival initiative, Iowa Catholic Radio Network has begun offering a new resource for local parishes, schools, and other faith-based organizations.

Beyond providing radio programming for the faithful of the Diocese and beyond, ICR has also obtained several educational panels depicting Eucharistic miracles from around the world. Based on its resounding worldwide success, The Vatican International Exhibition: Eucharistic Miracles of the World has proven to be a powerful tool in the effort to foster authentic devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

So what are these panels and where did they come from? These 40 panels are part of a much larger collection of 180 designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis before his death at age 15, said Matt Willkom, ICR’s executive director.

 “The panels selected for ICR’s display were chosen in order to represent not only the most astonishing miracles throughout history, but also to show that this is indeed a worldwide phenomenon that continues to this present day,” Willkom said, adding that, “the ultimate goal is to communicate God’s love for each and every one of us, that he would humble himself and make himself so vulnerable…so approachable.”

The display, which ICR lends out free of charge, has already been hosted at several parishes within the Diocese since the project’s launch this past December. In fact, Christ the King in Des Moines has used them on two separate occasions. Nationwide speaker Steve Ray recently gave a talk at Holy Spirit Parish in Creston using the display as a backdrop, saying at one point, “You are what you eat.”

The station recommends that parishes with schools attached invite the students to do research projects on one or several of the panels. 

“This sort of exposure at such a young age to the reality of Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist is absolutely priceless for the future of the Church,” said Willkom. “A parish mission featuring a speaker (like the one in Creston) would also be invaluable for drawing people more deeply into the Mass.”

The staff at ICR understand that putting together an event like this can have its challenges. That’s why the station is more than willing to help a parish, school, or faith-based organization locate an appropriate speaker, as well as assist with setup and breakdown of the panels. For more information about the display and how to reserve it, visit www.Iowacatholicradio.com.