Fr. Simon's Letter - May 26, 2024

In 2022, the Catholic bishops of the United States launched a three-year National Eucharistic Revival mission aimed at “renewing the Church by kindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.” The revival's vision is to “inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and who are then sent out on mission ‘for the life of the world.’”

With Easter behind us, as we reflect on Jesus’ liberating death and celebrate his resurrection, it is fitting to focus on the Eucharist, which encompasses both Jesus’ death and resurrection, drawing us into a living encounter with them. This reflection is particularly meaningful this year as the National Eucharistic Revival reaches its culmination.

Parishes nationwide have been encouraged to help their members engage in personal encounters with Christ, deepen Eucharistic devotion, and enhance our liturgical life through Eucharistic adoration, missions, resources, preaching, and organic movements of the Holy Spirit. At Queen of All Saints, we used insights from the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) to identify the need for more adult faith formation. In response, we hosted a series of speakers who shared their personal stories and underscored the significance of the Eucharist as the central mystery for all Catholics. These initiatives aim to convert hearts and minds, fostering a deeper love for Jesus Christ, truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

The National Eucharistic Revival will culminate with the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17 to 21. Since last weekend, thousands have begun a pilgrimage from various parts of the country to Indianapolis. The Archdiocese of Chicago, situated along one of the four main routes called the Marian Route, saw the pilgrimage begin in Minnesota on May 18. Pilgrims on this route will reach Chicago the weekend of June 28 to 30. Cardinal Cupich has asked all vicariates to hold a Mass and Eucharistic procession for the pilgrims on Saturday, June 29. Our parish will host the 35 parishes in Vicariate II at our 5 pm Mass. After the Mass, weather permitting, there will be a Eucharistic procession around the campus, circling the basilica and the field. Various parishes will set up seven small outdoor altars along the procession route, allowing participants to pause for prayer and reflection. This beautiful event will affirm our belief in Christ's presence in the Eucharist and our community.

Next Sunday, June 2, we will celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ. This feast marks the last Sunday in the long festal period of the liturgical year, which began with Ash Wednesday, peaked at Easter, and continued through Pentecost. The following Sunday, we will return to Ordinary Time in the Church. The feast of Corpus Christi offers us a moment to reflect on and give thanks for the entire liturgical season.
True gratitude is ongoing. It’s not just saying 'thanks' and moving on; it’s consciously appreciating and relishing what has been given to us. Gratitude is a powerful, enduring experience.

The feast of Corpus Christi is an ideal time for this reflection. The Lord’s Supper is not merely a past event to be remembered; it is a living act that creates, recreates, and sustains our union with the crucified and risen Christ, binding us to each other in him. Our gratitude is for something that continues to happen and will never cease.

Following the 12:30 pm Mass next Sunday, June 2, we will hold our own Eucharistic procession around our campus with the Blessed Sacrament. Three small outdoor altars will be set up around the basilica and school buildings, and the procession will conclude with benediction inside the basilica. Please join us for this special event, even if you attend an earlier Mass.

As Christians, we are called to bear Christ’s light and hope in the world. Just as Jesus moved among the people, Pope Francis urges us to reach out to those on the margins. How can we work together in new ways to inspire witness in a world that is often numb to the real presence of God? To do this, we must continue to meet Jesus in the Eucharist.

Blessings!