One year later: Diocese of Erie reflects on pilgrimage to historic Eucharistic Congress
By Kristine Rilling07/22/2025
In July 2024, faithful from the Diocese of Erie embarked on a historic pilgrimage to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking the first such gathering in 83 years. Pilgrims from across northwest Pennsylvania joined thousands in prayerful anticipation, their hearts set on renewal through the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
The NEC was a pivotal moment in the U.S. church's Eucharistic Revival initiative. It served as a spiritual catalyst, reigniting the faithful's commitment to Eucharistic encounter, identity, life and mission. For the Diocese of Erie, this experience was transformative, fostering a renewed sense of community and purpose among participants.
As the Eucharistic Revival’s year of mission draws to a close, we join together in a spiritual reflection of last summer's experience and what lies ahead.
Last summer, the Diocese of Erie’s Faith magazine featured a special edition dedicated to covering the experience in Indianapolis, capturing the spirit of the NEC – moments of joy, reverence and missionary zeal. We invite you to explore firsthand reflections, powerful photography and the inspiring voices of local pilgrims whose faith was reignited last year. Find it online here: https://catholicmagazines.org/magazine-archive/faith-erie/er0924.
This spiritual surge was a national awakening. Organizers of the Eucharistic Revival, now moving from its “Year of Mission” into a broader outreach, emphasized that the NEC was not an endpoint but a launching pad. This journey exemplified the church's call to live out the Eucharist not just in liturgy but in daily life, embodying the mission of Christ in every action.
After the congress, many faithful in the diocese were inspired by the experience. The Erie Diocesan Eucharist Committee held several meetings filled with prayer and discussion. From these conversations, and many months of prayerful discernment, an idea of proposing a Eucharistic Revival for the Diocese of Erie was born.
“After discussion with diocesan leadership and with the approval of Bishop Persico, we are assembling a Revival and Congress Team that will work to plan and execute a revival, pilgrimage and congress for our diocese,” said Father Rich Toohey, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie. “We are in the beginning stages but are excited about the possibility of celebrating the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with all the faithful in our diocese and beyond.”
The team is hard at work and plans to share progress as it develops. Initial ideas include pilgrimages to parishes throughout our 13 counties, along with a congress that will coincide with the Diocese of Erie’s 175 anniversary.
The Diocese of Erie's pilgrimage was more than a trip; it was a step toward a renewed commitment to living the Eucharistic mission.
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