Pope Francis praises National Eucharistic Revival in the U.S.

On the steps of the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn., cathedral rector Father John Ubel holds the Eucharist in a monstrance as those participating in the Source and Summit Eucharistic Procession prepare to go inside for the final Benediction May 27, 2024. The procession was part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and drew an estimated 7,000 Catholics. (OSV News photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit)

(CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY) — Pope Francis praised the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival in the United States, saying in a letter published Tuesday that he wished to extend a special blessing to all those attending the National Eucharistic Congress later this month.

The faithful in the Diocese of Fort Worth can purchase discounted tickets of $200 to participate in the 5-day congress by filling out this form. Find more information on diocesan tickets here. 

Those who approach the heavenly banquet, strengthened by the protection of heaven, are able to work more vigorously and diligently in sustaining their daily duties,” the pope wrote. “For this reason, we were very happy to hear the news about the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States of America.”

Written in Latin, the letter was addressed to Cardinal Luis Tagle, a Filipino prelate who serves as pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.

Tagle was appointed by Francis in May as his special envoy to the National Eucharistic Congress, an event that will take place in Indianapolis from July 17–21 and is expected to gather tens of thousands of American faithful.

Tagle will celebrate the closing Mass of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress.

In the letter, the pope commends Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the U.S. bishops for their efforts to increase devotion to the Eucharist. 

Francis also authorized Tagle to serve as his extraordinary representative at the congress on the pope’s behalf.

“Indeed, all participants in this event will be encouraged so that, united with Jesus in the Most Sacred Sacrament of our redemption, they are fully aware of the universal gifts they receive from heavenly food and can impart them to others,” Francis wrote. 

The pope goes on to instruct Tagle to greet all the faithful assembled for the Congress, to “encourage a more vigorous worship of the Eucharist,” and to “express our benevolence to all participants.”

“We wish that the faithful, refreshed with heavenly food, may achieve a happier age and spiritual prosperity,” Francis wrote. “For from the angelic bread, springing forth as if from a spiritual fountain, the wholesomeness and abundance of the Lord’s blessings flow abundantly and flow down.”

This will be the first National Eucharistic Congress in over half a century and a pivotal event in the U.S. bishops’ three-year National Eucharistic Revival, leading into the final year of the revival — the Year of Missionary Sending.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated by NTC Staff.

Peter Pinedo is a DC Correspondent for CNA.

More images of the National Eucharistic Congress taking place across the U.S.:

WHEELING, W. VA — Seton Route

Catholics at Heritage Port in Wheeling, W.Va., watch as the sternwheeler passes by during the Eucharistic procession down the Ohio River June 24, 2024, for the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. (OSV News photo/Colleen Rowan, The Catholic Spirit)

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Serra Route

Pilgrims on the western Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage process through the Diocese of Salt Lake City May 31-June 5, 2024. (OSV News photo/Anthony Mazur, courtesy National Eucharistic Revival)

LONG BEACH, MISS. — St. Juan Diego Route

Clergy and altar servers gather on the shore of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Long Beach, Miss., for a blessing of the sea June 12, 2024, as part of the St Juan Diego Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. (OSV News photo/Terry Dickson, courtesy Diocese of Biloxi)

SAN FRANCISCO — Serra Route

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone elevates the monstrance as he blesses the city and pilgrims after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco May 19, 2024. The event began the western route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, during which pilgrims from across the United States will travel with the Eucharist for the next eight weeks on their way to the July 17-21 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)

SHOWANO LAKE, WIS. — Marian Route

Father Michael Thiel, diocesan chaplain for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, is joined by perpetual pilgrims on a pontoon boat on Shawano Lake near Cecil, Wis., during a one-hour Eucharistic boat procession June 12, 2024. The perpetual pilgrims disembarked the boat and walked to Camp Tekakwitha, a youth summer camp owned by the Diocese of Green Bay, where they spent the evening. (OSV News photo/Sam Lucero)