CHESTERTON – Prayer intentions, a servant’s heart, and an open heart are three items not normally found on a “things to pack” list for a family vacation. They were, however, recommended by Bishop Robert J. McClory to the nearly 100 faithful who attended the Commissioning Mass for those journeying to the National Eucharistic Congress.
The Mass was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on July 15, and it concluded with Bishop McClory imparting a blessing over those who were taking part in the National Eucharistic Congress, held in Indianapolis July 17-21.
Each pilgrim was given a gift bag, t-shirt and other items for the trip.
The bishop shared with the pilgrims how he became a proficient packer, which included creating a list, thanks to many family camping trips. The list he offered to the faithful was to enrich their experience in Indianapolis.
“The pilgrimage is an opportunity to celebrate our Lord in the Eucharist…This is a perfect time to make a list of prayer intentions, situations you want to pray for,” said Bishop McClory.
The second item he urged the faithful to pack is a servant’s heart.
“Any time you’re at an event this big, it’s easy to just think about what you’re going to get out of it, but if you come with a servant’s attitude, you’ll see little opportunities… to give someone the window seat... to hold the door for someone,” said Bishop McClory.
“Anticipate the needs of the other. This is what it means to be a Eucharistic people, not just to receive but to give. And if we do that, it will be awesome because we’ll be anticipating each other in love,” he said.
The bishop concluded by telling the crowd to spend their time with an open heart and to be open to the Lord revealing something to them.
“When you come you say Lord, I know you’ve got something you want me to receive while I’m here, how you’re going to open my heart with the great gift of the Eucharist,” said Bishop McClory.
He explained for some it may be a giant earthquake, others it may be the opportunity to join 40,000 others at Mass, and for some it might be a kind word spoken at the right moment.
“This is historical. This is powerful. This is amazing… He’s got something for you. Open your heart and make sure that you receive it,” said Bishop McClory.
Angela McManigal, a Queen of All Saints parishioner, planned on being in Indianapolis during the whole Congress. She said the bishop’s homily made her “that much more excited to go down.”
“I loved his story about packing. It makes me want to go home and make a list now and be prepared for what is coming,” said McManigal.
Edward Lopez, and wife, Maria, were selected to be bus captains for the journey down.
“I’m honored, flattered, and excited to be selected as a captain with my wife. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to go, with it being so close to home. A two-and-a-half-hour drive, you can’t beat that,” said Edward Lopez, a St. John the Evangelist parishioner.
He feels the Congress is needed now more than ever.
“With all the craziness in the world and all the division in the nation, it’s one great way to unite us as Americans,” he said. “My expectation is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to come out of there ready to continue evangelizing.”
Margaret Saliga, a St. John the Baptist parishioner, decided back in November that she was going.
“It’s a once in a lifetime event. So many people with the same mindset – to experience the same deep love for our Lord,” said Saliga. “This is what we need. It will be the momentum to go forward.”
Caption: Nearly 100 pilgrims from across the Gary Diocese gathered at St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Commissioning Mass for the National Eucharistic Congress. Pictured are the faithful as they are blessed by Bishop Robert J. McClory. The Mass was held July 15. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)