On Wednesday, July 17, local faithful will travel to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis where they will join more than 50,000 Catholics from across the country.

The group from the Diocese of Saginaw includes lay men and women from more than 14 parishes and nearly a dozen religious sisters, clergy and seminarians. In Indianapolis, they will attend liturgies, hear from nationally known speakers, and even take part in a Eucharistic Procession through Indianapolis!

For those unable to attend the National Eucharistic Congress in person, remote viewing and participation are available. Key parts of the event, including evening sessions featuring renowned Catholic speakers and musicians, will be accessible through various media platforms.

The official website of the National Eucharistic Congress will provide live streaming of major events at Lucas Oil Stadium.

According to an email from the National Eucharistic Congress, "The Holy Father has granted an opportunity for Catholics in our country to obtain a Plenary Indulgence by participating in the events of the National Eucharistic Revival. Even for those following along at home, the decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary and approved by Pope Francis says that: 

'Faithful individuals who, due to reasonable circumstances and with pious intention, have participated in the sacred rites and received the Papal Blessing through media communications, may also obtain a Plenary Indulgence.' Be sure to follow along, and align with the usual conditions of a Plenary Indulgence, to receive these extraordinary graces." 

The National Eucharistic Congress serves as a cornerstone of the National Eucharistic Revival, an initiative launched by the U.S. Catholic bishops in 2022 and lasting three years.

The revival seeks to reinvigorate Catholics' connection with and reverence for Jesus' presence in the Eucharist. The goal is to inspire a renewed understanding and devotion to the Eucharist among the faithful.