Nearly 70 parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Church in Murfreesboro, from infant to age 75, took Eucharistic Revival activities to a new level, making the trek to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, on Saturday, Aug. 19. It was the official kick-off for the community’s Year of the Parish activities as part of the national Eucharisitc Revival.
“The National Eucharistic Congress suggested going on a pilgrimage during this year of parish revival,” explained Christina Bien, parish point person for the Eucharistic Revival. “We wanted to create an opportunity among the parish community to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist.”
“The Eucharistic Revival is vital to the future of the Catholic Church. As we can see from the Pew research study, a good portion of Catholics believe the Eucharist is a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus Christ,” she added. “It also told us that some people understand the Church’s teaching, yet still believe the Eucharist is just a symbol.”
That’s why St. Rose is also continuing and implementing other opportunities throughout the year.
“We already have designated times for Eucharistic Adoration, but some of our goals include creating more opportunities to encounter and learn about the Eucharist,” Bien said.
The pilgrimage to the shrine was the start, as it included a private spiritual talk led by Bien and Deacon John D’Amico, Mass in the main church, a healing service, a shrine tour, and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
“The idea of pilgrimages, I would say to the average parishioner, is a new concept. Although, we have several parishioners that have been on a pilgrimage at some point in their life, but possibly not so focused on the Eucharist,” Bien said. “The healing service that took place during our time there was very eye-opening to others. They were blessed with the opportunity of an individual blessing as the priest placed the monstrance in front of them and blessed them with the sign of the cross.”
Clare Sukley, high school youth minister, said she went on the pilgrimage to prepare for an upcoming trip to the shrine with the high school youth group.
“It was peaceful and beautiful,” Sukley said of the day. “We heard multiple talks on the Eucharist and the Real Presence, we adored the Eucharist, and we participated in the healing service to get in the mindset of the Eucharistic Revival.”
As she carries on with day-to-day life, “I want to attend daily Mass more often with the hope He will transform me,” she continued. “The Eucharist should be the biggest reason as to why we’re Catholic.”
Bien said her hope for those that attended is simple.
“My hope is that each individual establishes a relationship with Jesus Christ in the most holy sacrament of the altar, the Eucharist. That they truly recognize the Real Presence of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” Bien said. “My continued hope is that they seek out opportunities to encounter the Eucharist, read more about the Catholic Church’s teachings on it, and spread the good news of his Real Presence.
“The Eucharist is for everyone young and old, no matter race, age, or gender. Jesus calls us into a relationship with Him to heal our brokenness and the cracks of our spiritual foundations,” she concluded. “Say ‘yes’ to him in any way you can and preach the gospels through your time, talent, and treasures.”
