This week, friars from the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe will join thousands of Catholics from across the US in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress.
Devotion to the Eucharist runs deep in the Franciscan tradition:
— St. Francis spoke often of the Body and Blood of Christ and, unusual for his time, encouraged frequent reception of the Eucharist.
— St. Clare courageously turned to the Eucharist to protect Assisi from invaders.
— St. Anthony famously convinced a mule of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.
— The scholars St. Bonaventure and Duns Scotus were deeply concerned about clarifying the nature of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and the sacrament’s deep connections to all of creation.
— St. Bernardine of Siena preached spiritual renewal centered on the Eucharist. And St. Paschal Baylón is the patron saint of Eucharistic Congresses.
For all these Franciscans, God’s poverty, compassion, and enduring closeness to us was on full display in the Eucharist. Passion for the Eucharist energized their identity as Lesser Brothers.
We approach the Eucharistic Congress this week with that same Franciscan excitement and passion. We look forward to sharing our Eucharistic Congress experiences with you throughout the week.
If you're attending the Eucharistic Congress, come visit us at booth #944 in the Expo Hall. To experience the Eucharistic Congress through the Franciscan lens, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
Read more
— Day 1 at the Eucharistic Congress: Connected through Christ
— The greatest love story ever told: Day 2 at the Eucharistic Congress
— Christ holds nothing back: Eucharistic Congress Day 3
— Following the footsteps of Christ: Day 4 of the Eucharistic Congress