Thanks to the generosity of our community, Palomita Films was able to attend the National Eucharistic Congress! The experience is one we will never forget, and it gave us the opportunity to share about Love God's Will, Medjugorje, and the work we do at Palomita Films with people who may otherwise never have heard about us.
The last National Eucharistic Congress was held in 1941, 83 years ago. More than 60,000 people, 3,866 of those being clergy and religious, gathered last week to learn more about the greatest love story ever told! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
Many of the speeches given by top Catholic theologians and speakers at the event are now available on YouTube.
One of our favorite moments was the opportunity to meet someone's whose videos we have admired. We were curious to be part of a very unique experiment he was conducting: what can God do with a paper clip? Watch the video series here.
Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in The Chosen, read from John chapter 6 what is known as the Bread of Life Discourse. He thanked the crowd for the opportunity as he will never be able to act out this scene in the series. The Bible says Jesus lost many disciples the day He explained, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” Those followers said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it.” and they left Jesus. This is still hard for many of His followers to believe, and they think the Eucharist is a symbol.
Sr. Alicia Torres suggested, “At the beginning of the day, as you take a moment to make your morning offering, imagine yourself gazing upon the Eucharist as the priest elevates the Host at Mass. Realize that as you gaze on Jesus in that moment, He is also gazing on you. He is giving Himself to you in love, just as you are seeking to give yourself to Him. Brothers and sisters, this is the “Eucharistic moment” that animates our daily Eucharistic mission!”
Saturday was the day of the Eucharistic Procession in downtown Indianapolis. Tens of thousands participated in following Jesus for over a mile, and adoring Him in the Monstrance. Stay tuned for Palomita Film's video of this historic procession!
On the final day, a special envoy from Pope Francis, Cardinal Tagle, shared a message from the Holy Father. He explained we’ve been given a gift, and now it’s our obligation to share that gift with the world.
The Catholic Church is alive! Many Catholics across the country feel isolated, without a community of people who are on fire to grow in their faith. It was a blessing to participate in such a powerful event, proof that at least 60,000 people and countless more who joined in spirit from their homes, are growing in their love for Jesus and their Catholic faith. We hope to continue to share His love with others.
Thank you so much to the team of people who helped us share about Love God's Will!
written by Jessi Hannapel and her mom, Jodi Hannapel
