A message from the Salesian Studies Office:

“Anyone who ever saw and watched him at Mass was invariably moved, especially at the Consecration when his luminous radiance was even more remarkable-people noticed this over and again. He had a very special love for the Blessed Sacrament; it was his true life and his only strength.”  Saint Jane de Chantal on Saint Francis de Sales’ devotion to the Eucharist

From: Saint Jane de Chantal, Saint Francis de Sales: A Testimony by Saint Chantal, Edited and introduction by Elisabeth Stopp

Pilgrims from across the country are beginning to arrive in Indiana for the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress, July 17-24, 2024. Many Minnesotans took part in the Marian Eucharistic pilgrimage, which began at the headwaters of the Mississippi River on Pentecost Sunday, and traveled to parishes throughout the state. The Marian pilgrims and the Blessed Sacrament passed through dioceses in Wisconsin and Illinois enroute to Indianapolis where they will join pilgrims from three other national routes. Tens of thousands are expected to participate at the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress in workshops, discussions, worship and special Masses, reviving our love for the Eucharist and the life it brings.

Recently, Sister Mary Paula McCarthy VHM, ‘47 shared memories of the June 1941 Ninth National Eucharistic Congress held in Saint Paul. Thousands processed from their home parishes and schools to meet Archbishop Murray at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. A procession with the Blessed Sacrament continued to the grandstand area of the state fairgrounds. Sister Mary Paula recalled the extremely hot day and how many of her classmates from St. Mark's Catholic School were overcome by the heat. At earlier National Eucharistic Congresses, only clergy and other Religious participated. The 1941 Congress welcomed the laity, allowing for programs that Catholic men, women, and youth could attend alongside professed Religious. Sister Mary Paula expressed her happiness that after 83 years, the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress would once again take place allowing for a communal renewal to Christ and the Eucharist.

To learn more, watch this fantastic video from the 1941 National Eucharistic Congress held in St. Paul.