Followers of Jesus Christ bore witness to His presence Saturday, as tens of thousands partook in one of the largest Eucharistic processions the United States has seen in decades.
The procession marked a divine moment for Catholics in attendance.
As the Eucharist was guided through downtown Indianapolis by Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Bishop Robert Barron and members of the clergy, hundreds knelt as Christ passed them on the streets, prayed to Him and reached out to Him.
For years, the church faced a crisis, after it discovered only a third of American Catholics, believe that Jesus Christ's presence resides in the Eucharist, which is a core belief of Catholicism.
In hopes of addressing that crisis, the church called for a three-year movement to rekindle American Catholic's spiritual love and understanding of the Eucharist.
The conclusion of that movement was the arrival of over 50,000 Catholics from all 50 states into downtown Indianapolis to reflect on their devotion to Christ at the National Eucharistic Congress and go forth as pilgrims to preach the existence of Christ within the Eucharist.
"Today was a celebration of the true presence in the Eucharist, that's what we as Catholics believe. That the body, soul and divinity of Jesus is within us and you could tell that was true today by the multitude of people that were here to celebrate," said Tom Miller when asked to reflect on the Eucharistic procession.
"I think this congress was very successful. I think the evangelization of those who were assembled here today will express what we feel about the true presence of Jesus," he added. "Now we need to go out and evangelize the truth to everybody else."
A moment of unity
The Eucharist sat atop the steps of the Indiana War Memorial & Museum. Below it sat dozens of Bishops, priests and Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
And below them, were tens of thousands of Catholics sitting in University Park in adoration of the Lord.
"We must not allow ourselves even a moment's rest, knowing that still, not everyone has received an invitation to this supper or knowing that others have forgotten it or have gotten lost along the way in the twist and turns of human living," Bishop Cozzens said in prayer to Jesus Christ.
"Jesus we have experienced in these days together just a small taste of heaven. Show us Lord who we are. Let us be your body in the world, fill us with your holy spirit. Empower us to witness to you, to your love, to your goodness. Make us Lord your missionaries to every corner of our land."
These words echoed deep in the souls of many who participated in the Eucharistic procession.
As the procession ended, followers of Christ showed their love to God, either by thanking the clergy for leading them to this moment, remaining in the moment of adoration by continuing their prayers to the Lord or by sharing their newfound desires to preach their love of the Eucharist.
"I hope this will be an awakening that people will come back to Christ and come to know His love, know His healing power in the world and especially in our country right now," said Mary Cravalho, from San Mateo, California.
"This moment shouldn't just be something we go to and forget about. It's something to remind us pilgrims to go back and change and heal our world," said Theresa Webb from Burlingame, California.
When asked if he's noticed a shift in followers' perception of the Eucharist, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, highlighted the growing devotion of Christ many have experienced while attending the National Eucharistic Congress.
"The devotion and love for the Eucharist is so evident whenever you are at the mass or holy hours. And I think many of the people here came with that devotion," Bishop Burbidge said. "And their devotion has just been energized, and that's what we're praying for. That love for the Eucharist."
When reflecting on what this week meant for many in the church, Bishop Burbidge emphasized the idea of "unity.”
"I think what we see here is a moment of unity, and what is our nation crying out for more than ever right now? It's unity," said Bishop Burbidge.
"People being able to walk together, and of course the source of the unity is Christ, and that's why we have to be willing to bring our faith out into the streets because that's what brings unity and the healing we need now. It's only going to come from Christ."
"What you're seeing here today is just a reflection of that unity."
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