Making Catholic History
August 5, 2024 at 4:25 p.m.
Upon returning to the Diocese of Trenton, pilgrims shared their personal stories of the Eucharistic Congress, and how they were empowered to take their experience out to the world. Their reflections follow:
Ximena Bustamante, right, member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, takes a photo with a fellow pilgrim, Alberto Bellinip. Courtesy photo
Ximena Bustamante,
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown:
I am very grateful to my pastor and my parish for allowing me attended the Congress. This has been a blessing for me, my family and my community. I went knowing that we have Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist, but ... it was just the Eucharist and that was all. But when I got there and I opened my heart, mind and soul to God, I experienced something else: a desire to learn more and more about the Eucharist and to receive [him] more often. There were so many preachers, but one who touched me deeply was Father Mike Schmitz. He said, “without repentance, we’re not having a real revival in our hearts” (my interpretation). Since that day, I’ve been thinking on how to put it into practice in my daily life.
Even though we had revival sessions here at the parish, we need to do more to let the people know about the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We are living like the disciples going to Emmaus, walking with Jesus without knowing it – this is us coming to Church every weekend, but not realizing that Jesus gives himself to us in every Eucharist as Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
We have a lot of work to do, and we can start with families; they are the domestic Church that needs to enrich the flame of love of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist.
Amanda Kleinmann, member of St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, poses inside the Lucas Oil Stadium between inspiring speakers. Courtesy photo
Amanda Kleinmann,
St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills:
How can I begin to describe this week? It’s an encounter that can’t be confined in a book!
Ever since the Catholic Church announced a three-year Eucharistic Revival, I was interested in taking my faith to a deeper level. I believed Christ was truly the Bread of Life and not merely a symbol, but my heart didn’t yet experience what that meant. It wasn’t until my parish hosted the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit that a spark in my heart had started to kindle. I started praying for an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Shortly after, God led me to commit myself to a year meditating on his Passion with St. Bridget, participate in Prayer-Life workshops with Father Larrañaga, and consecrate myself to Mary. I developed a thirst to know more and live day-to-day with Jesus! The third day of my consecration to Mary, God revealed his love so clearly that I couldn’t stop crying tears of joy. [I was] seeing with new eyes that every creation was good, and that Christ was in it all! That day I went to a healing Mass and Holy Hour at St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, and falling to my knees, completely fell in love with Jesus; now I receive him daily!
I knew then and there that I needed to be at the Eucharistic Revival Congress to thank God and to see what he’s calling me to do with my daily encounter with him. This week, I spent many hours a day with Jesus – Mass every morning, followed by talks, breakout sessions, great community, a night reflection, finishing each day with a Eucharist procession and Holy Hour accompanied by some of the most angelic choirs that make you taste a piece of heaven!
God revealed to me that going forward, I must evangelize using his limitless love that he graced me with so that others may encounter him fully and truly feel loved as beautiful children of God.
Poor Clare Sister Monica Muncada, second from right, attends the Eucharistic Congress with fellow Sisters. Courtesy photo
Poor Clare Sister Monica Muncada, Monastery of St. Clare, Chesterfield:
I am incredibly grateful to God and my community for the profoundly meaningful experience I had at the Eucharistic Congress. It was such a sacred moment for all of us. To encapsulate my experience in a few words would be a challenge! But feeling BLESSED, “CHOSEN,” and GRATEFUL sums up my Eucharistic Congress experience. The opportunity to be part of this event comes with a call to share with others what I encountered. As a religious, it calls me to a deeper commitment to the life I am called to live and to be present to my Sisters in the community in “flesh and blood.”
Theresa Pulvano,
St. Joseph Parish, Toms River:
The National Eucharistic Congress was absolutely incredible! To be there with 60,000 other Catholics was truly a gift from God. … Each day we adored him, and the stadium was filled with joy and love. The Eucharistic procession filled the streets as we waited with anticipation of his presence. We praised and worshipped him for five days enjoying his love for us!
I learned that the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. … He loves us unconditionally even though we are sinners. I will take that to the people that I go to church with. I am in a prayer group and also the parish nurse at St. Joseph’s; I can tell them that it’s so great to receive him each day. The more you receive the Eucharist, the more that you fall in love with him, As I received him each day, I feel so joyful; even though I may struggle, I know that Jesus is always with me. When you take the Eucharist, it’s food for your soul. The fire of the Holy Spirit creates a burning passion that moves you forward aligning you with his holy will. We as Catholics are so blessed that we can have the Eucharist every day!
Posing with friends is Mary Neary, member of Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton. Courtesy photoMary Neary,
Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton
“It’s time for faithful Catholics to stop trying to live for God. Instead, we should start living from him,” exhorted Msgr. James Shea. His words pierced through me like a lightning bolt! For the first time I understood Paul’s words to the Galatians (2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Over a year ago when I first heard about the Eucharistic Congress, I knew I had to attend. My desire to live “for” God has always been my heartfelt prayer. But suddenly as I sat with 60,000 pilgrims, I experienced a profound and new revelation as I contemplated Jesus in the Eucharist. It was “from” him; receiving Jesus in the Eucharist that enabled me to live out my baptismal call. Yes, I desire to live “for” him, but only “through him, with him, and in him” would I be able to love sacrificially and repeat with confidence the words of our Blessed Mother, “Let it be done unto me according to thy will.”
In his talk, Msgr. Shea continued to encourage us with these words, “The Body and Blood of the Lord is the source of our life, our energy, and our joy. So, let’s eat and drink here and every day to our heart’s content, and then let’s rush out into a starving world and tell everybody we meet, ‘Starving people, listen! We found where the food is!’”
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” now echoes in my heart. Therefore, I am ready to go wherever God sends me to share with a hungry world where the food is! Good people of the Diocese of Trenton, are you ready to go with me?
Barbara Rookey,
St. Monica Parish, Jackson:
I wish that everyone could have attended the Congress. Being among 60,000 Catholics every day was awesome, so much in common yet so varied. On our first day I (literally) bumped into a woman who worked in the building in which we were standing. “Can I ask you a question?” she said. “Who are all those men in white? What are they doing? I know you Catholics are here, but I’m not Catholic so I don’t get it.” She was referring to the hundreds of priests filing into a huge room for morning Mass. “And the hats?” I explained those were bishops. I was evangelizing on my first day!
The message that was emphasized throughout the Congress was to take our faith and share it with the world. We are the Church that goes out from itself. The Eucharist is not our private possession; it is meant to conform us to Christ who gives his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity to the world. Christ is at our side to enlighten and strengthen us to share the Gospel with confidence.
Cardinal [Luis Antonio] Tagle, Bishop [Robert] Barron and so many others encouraged us to accept the mission of giving of oneself to others: To go to Mass with the gift of your smile and share it with the lost or confused or weak. To be sent as a gift for the sake of the word. To tell the cashier in the store that Jesus loves him. To wave and smile and use all your fingers when someone cuts you off in the Parkway. Chris Stefanick remarked that two-thirds of “God” is “go.” After this experience, I will Go!
Deacon Joe Sbarra and his wife Alejandra pose outside one of the Indianapolis buildings during their trip to the Eucharistic Congress. Courtesy photo
Deacon Joseph Sbarra,
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown:
Attending and participating in the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress was a deeply moving experience that I will never forget. It was awe-inspiring to be one of 60,000 fellow Catholics united in our devotion to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
We listened to leading Catholic voices in the United States, who shared their hearts and wisdom not only about the Eucharist, but also about how we can bring the love of Jesus Christ to a world full of people who are confused, suffering or broken. We were nourished and strengthened by the reception of the Eucharist daily at Mass. We had the honor and privilege of spending time with Jesus in Adoration each day, listening to his voice and experiencing his profound love.
The highlight for me was participating in the Eucharistic procession through the streets of the city of Indianapolis. Witnessing the public display of our faith and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament not only deepened my personal devotion but also reminded the world of the centrality of the Eucharist in our Catholic faith.
The Congress has lifted my heart and strengthened my commitment to my ministry as a Catholic deacon. It was a powerful reminder to every Catholic that we need the Eucharist to sustain us on our faith journey and that it unites us as members of the Body of Christ. I am excited to share the experiences and insights from the Congress with my parish, and I hope and pray that they will inspire and lead others to deepen their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fran Stinsman,
Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton
I was filled with awe that God has called me to be a part of his great work, his Church. It was encouraging and uplifting to see so many cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons and religious come together singing the praises of our awesome God. It was also a blessing to see the different orders of religious Sisters in habits, sporting every color. They were such a witness for the young women who were there. It is amazing to see 60,000 people come together filled with joy. I couldn’t help thinking, I need more joy!
Then Bishop Robert Barron, quoting Dorothy Day, called all of us laity present to live vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the Word of God. Poverty by detachment to things of the world, chastity by living moral lives and obedience by being careful who and what we are listening to.
God has called us to be a part of his Church, and we respond with our yes by sharing him with others.
George Tower, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown
The NEC was an amazing, energizing, healing, and thought-provoking experience. It was especially moving to be one of 60,000 Catholics who knelt in reverence as Jesus entered the stadium. I felt his presence in my heart. He was with all of us both together and individually. His mercy was overflowing!
Sister Miriam James encouraged us to bring everything to prayer. Jesus wants to heal us! A healing service was held, and I was one of many who experienced a healing. I had a very mild case of bursitis in my left knee, and it had flared up during the Congress. I never even considered asking God for healing because I felt there were others battling worse conditions that needed prayer more than I. But, at Sister’s urging, I faithfully offered it up during the healing service and asked Jesus to help. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit come into me and the bursitis is gone!
The Eucharist as food and spiritual nourishment was a common theme throughout the Congress, [as were] connections between Abraham and Isaac in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament. Issac’s life was spared and a ram, caught in thistles, was sacrificed instead. Jesus, the unblemished lamb, crowned with thorns, gave His life for the redemption of the world.
The world is starving. We often seek nourishment in vices – power, fame, pleasure and wealth. But none of these will satisfy us. The human heart has an innate desire to be connected with God. Jesus in the Eucharist is that connection. We need to evangelize and proclaim we have found where the real food is! I pray that I can be the light of Christ to the world and keep Jesus always in my heart.
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Upon returning to the Diocese of Trenton, pilgrims shared their personal stories of the Eucharistic Congress, and how they were empowered to take their experience out to the world. Their reflections follow:
Ximena Bustamante, right, member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, takes a photo with a fellow pilgrim, Alberto Bellinip. Courtesy photo
Ximena Bustamante,
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown:
I am very grateful to my pastor and my parish for allowing me attended the Congress. This has been a blessing for me, my family and my community. I went knowing that we have Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist, but ... it was just the Eucharist and that was all. But when I got there and I opened my heart, mind and soul to God, I experienced something else: a desire to learn more and more about the Eucharist and to receive [him] more often. There were so many preachers, but one who touched me deeply was Father Mike Schmitz. He said, “without repentance, we’re not having a real revival in our hearts” (my interpretation). Since that day, I’ve been thinking on how to put it into practice in my daily life.
Even though we had revival sessions here at the parish, we need to do more to let the people know about the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We are living like the disciples going to Emmaus, walking with Jesus without knowing it – this is us coming to Church every weekend, but not realizing that Jesus gives himself to us in every Eucharist as Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
We have a lot of work to do, and we can start with families; they are the domestic Church that needs to enrich the flame of love of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist.
Amanda Kleinmann, member of St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, poses inside the Lucas Oil Stadium between inspiring speakers. Courtesy photo
Amanda Kleinmann,
St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills:
How can I begin to describe this week? It’s an encounter that can’t be confined in a book!
Ever since the Catholic Church announced a three-year Eucharistic Revival, I was interested in taking my faith to a deeper level. I believed Christ was truly the Bread of Life and not merely a symbol, but my heart didn’t yet experience what that meant. It wasn’t until my parish hosted the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit that a spark in my heart had started to kindle. I started praying for an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Shortly after, God led me to commit myself to a year meditating on his Passion with St. Bridget, participate in Prayer-Life workshops with Father Larrañaga, and consecrate myself to Mary. I developed a thirst to know more and live day-to-day with Jesus! The third day of my consecration to Mary, God revealed his love so clearly that I couldn’t stop crying tears of joy. [I was] seeing with new eyes that every creation was good, and that Christ was in it all! That day I went to a healing Mass and Holy Hour at St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, and falling to my knees, completely fell in love with Jesus; now I receive him daily!
I knew then and there that I needed to be at the Eucharistic Revival Congress to thank God and to see what he’s calling me to do with my daily encounter with him. This week, I spent many hours a day with Jesus – Mass every morning, followed by talks, breakout sessions, great community, a night reflection, finishing each day with a Eucharist procession and Holy Hour accompanied by some of the most angelic choirs that make you taste a piece of heaven!
God revealed to me that going forward, I must evangelize using his limitless love that he graced me with so that others may encounter him fully and truly feel loved as beautiful children of God.
Poor Clare Sister Monica Muncada, second from right, attends the Eucharistic Congress with fellow Sisters. Courtesy photo
Poor Clare Sister Monica Muncada, Monastery of St. Clare, Chesterfield:
I am incredibly grateful to God and my community for the profoundly meaningful experience I had at the Eucharistic Congress. It was such a sacred moment for all of us. To encapsulate my experience in a few words would be a challenge! But feeling BLESSED, “CHOSEN,” and GRATEFUL sums up my Eucharistic Congress experience. The opportunity to be part of this event comes with a call to share with others what I encountered. As a religious, it calls me to a deeper commitment to the life I am called to live and to be present to my Sisters in the community in “flesh and blood.”
Theresa Pulvano,
St. Joseph Parish, Toms River:
The National Eucharistic Congress was absolutely incredible! To be there with 60,000 other Catholics was truly a gift from God. … Each day we adored him, and the stadium was filled with joy and love. The Eucharistic procession filled the streets as we waited with anticipation of his presence. We praised and worshipped him for five days enjoying his love for us!
I learned that the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. … He loves us unconditionally even though we are sinners. I will take that to the people that I go to church with. I am in a prayer group and also the parish nurse at St. Joseph’s; I can tell them that it’s so great to receive him each day. The more you receive the Eucharist, the more that you fall in love with him, As I received him each day, I feel so joyful; even though I may struggle, I know that Jesus is always with me. When you take the Eucharist, it’s food for your soul. The fire of the Holy Spirit creates a burning passion that moves you forward aligning you with his holy will. We as Catholics are so blessed that we can have the Eucharist every day!
Posing with friends is Mary Neary, member of Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton. Courtesy photoMary Neary,
Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton
“It’s time for faithful Catholics to stop trying to live for God. Instead, we should start living from him,” exhorted Msgr. James Shea. His words pierced through me like a lightning bolt! For the first time I understood Paul’s words to the Galatians (2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Over a year ago when I first heard about the Eucharistic Congress, I knew I had to attend. My desire to live “for” God has always been my heartfelt prayer. But suddenly as I sat with 60,000 pilgrims, I experienced a profound and new revelation as I contemplated Jesus in the Eucharist. It was “from” him; receiving Jesus in the Eucharist that enabled me to live out my baptismal call. Yes, I desire to live “for” him, but only “through him, with him, and in him” would I be able to love sacrificially and repeat with confidence the words of our Blessed Mother, “Let it be done unto me according to thy will.”
In his talk, Msgr. Shea continued to encourage us with these words, “The Body and Blood of the Lord is the source of our life, our energy, and our joy. So, let’s eat and drink here and every day to our heart’s content, and then let’s rush out into a starving world and tell everybody we meet, ‘Starving people, listen! We found where the food is!’”
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” now echoes in my heart. Therefore, I am ready to go wherever God sends me to share with a hungry world where the food is! Good people of the Diocese of Trenton, are you ready to go with me?
Barbara Rookey,
St. Monica Parish, Jackson:
I wish that everyone could have attended the Congress. Being among 60,000 Catholics every day was awesome, so much in common yet so varied. On our first day I (literally) bumped into a woman who worked in the building in which we were standing. “Can I ask you a question?” she said. “Who are all those men in white? What are they doing? I know you Catholics are here, but I’m not Catholic so I don’t get it.” She was referring to the hundreds of priests filing into a huge room for morning Mass. “And the hats?” I explained those were bishops. I was evangelizing on my first day!
The message that was emphasized throughout the Congress was to take our faith and share it with the world. We are the Church that goes out from itself. The Eucharist is not our private possession; it is meant to conform us to Christ who gives his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity to the world. Christ is at our side to enlighten and strengthen us to share the Gospel with confidence.
Cardinal [Luis Antonio] Tagle, Bishop [Robert] Barron and so many others encouraged us to accept the mission of giving of oneself to others: To go to Mass with the gift of your smile and share it with the lost or confused or weak. To be sent as a gift for the sake of the word. To tell the cashier in the store that Jesus loves him. To wave and smile and use all your fingers when someone cuts you off in the Parkway. Chris Stefanick remarked that two-thirds of “God” is “go.” After this experience, I will Go!
Deacon Joe Sbarra and his wife Alejandra pose outside one of the Indianapolis buildings during their trip to the Eucharistic Congress. Courtesy photo
Deacon Joseph Sbarra,
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown:
Attending and participating in the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress was a deeply moving experience that I will never forget. It was awe-inspiring to be one of 60,000 fellow Catholics united in our devotion to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
We listened to leading Catholic voices in the United States, who shared their hearts and wisdom not only about the Eucharist, but also about how we can bring the love of Jesus Christ to a world full of people who are confused, suffering or broken. We were nourished and strengthened by the reception of the Eucharist daily at Mass. We had the honor and privilege of spending time with Jesus in Adoration each day, listening to his voice and experiencing his profound love.
The highlight for me was participating in the Eucharistic procession through the streets of the city of Indianapolis. Witnessing the public display of our faith and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament not only deepened my personal devotion but also reminded the world of the centrality of the Eucharist in our Catholic faith.
The Congress has lifted my heart and strengthened my commitment to my ministry as a Catholic deacon. It was a powerful reminder to every Catholic that we need the Eucharist to sustain us on our faith journey and that it unites us as members of the Body of Christ. I am excited to share the experiences and insights from the Congress with my parish, and I hope and pray that they will inspire and lead others to deepen their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fran Stinsman,
Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton
I was filled with awe that God has called me to be a part of his great work, his Church. It was encouraging and uplifting to see so many cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons and religious come together singing the praises of our awesome God. It was also a blessing to see the different orders of religious Sisters in habits, sporting every color. They were such a witness for the young women who were there. It is amazing to see 60,000 people come together filled with joy. I couldn’t help thinking, I need more joy!
Then Bishop Robert Barron, quoting Dorothy Day, called all of us laity present to live vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the Word of God. Poverty by detachment to things of the world, chastity by living moral lives and obedience by being careful who and what we are listening to.
God has called us to be a part of his Church, and we respond with our yes by sharing him with others.
George Tower, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown
The NEC was an amazing, energizing, healing, and thought-provoking experience. It was especially moving to be one of 60,000 Catholics who knelt in reverence as Jesus entered the stadium. I felt his presence in my heart. He was with all of us both together and individually. His mercy was overflowing!
Sister Miriam James encouraged us to bring everything to prayer. Jesus wants to heal us! A healing service was held, and I was one of many who experienced a healing. I had a very mild case of bursitis in my left knee, and it had flared up during the Congress. I never even considered asking God for healing because I felt there were others battling worse conditions that needed prayer more than I. But, at Sister’s urging, I faithfully offered it up during the healing service and asked Jesus to help. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit come into me and the bursitis is gone!
The Eucharist as food and spiritual nourishment was a common theme throughout the Congress, [as were] connections between Abraham and Isaac in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament. Issac’s life was spared and a ram, caught in thistles, was sacrificed instead. Jesus, the unblemished lamb, crowned with thorns, gave His life for the redemption of the world.
The world is starving. We often seek nourishment in vices – power, fame, pleasure and wealth. But none of these will satisfy us. The human heart has an innate desire to be connected with God. Jesus in the Eucharist is that connection. We need to evangelize and proclaim we have found where the real food is! I pray that I can be the light of Christ to the world and keep Jesus always in my heart.