Source: WISH-TV
INDIANAPOLIS–The National Eucharistic Congress has gotten underway in Indianapolis. It is the first Congress in 83 years. More than 50,000 Catholics will be in attendance in what is a gathering of clergy, other religious leaders, and lay people to celebrate the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Events are taking place at both Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, and other sites from Wednesday July 17 through Sunday July 21. The Congress chose to hold this event in Indianapolis because of its central location and its ability to host large events in a walkable area.
It is the culmination of four cross-country pilgrimages by devout Catholics. Thousands of Catholics processions will walk from the Convention Center up to the Indiana War Memorial on Saturday from 3 to 5 pm. You can expect several road closures in the area.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says they’ve spent a great deal of time getting ready for this event.
“This is unique. We have worked several major events to include parades in the past. None of those major events were the size of what this will be. It’s challenging with our resources, but I think we’ve been planning on this for about a year with the NEC and our state police partners. I think we have a good plan in place and I don’t foresee any specific major issues,” said IMPD Officer Chuck Deblaso.
He says they have been working with investigators at both the federal and state level to see if there are any threats.
“At this point, we have no derogatory information that would impact this event,” said Deblaso.
Joel Stepanek is one of the Congress’ organizers.
“I think that sometimes our love can grow a little bit cold and so this is an opportunity for the faithful to revitalize their belief and then to go out into a world where they can serve and bring the love of Christ to others,” said Stepanek.
The last National Eucharistic Congress was held in 1941 in Minnesota. An international eucharistic congress was held in Philadelphia in 1976, with well-known Catholics like Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day and Pope John Paul II in attendance.