That July of 2024, the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, was bursting with Catholic pilgrims, so many that my then-fiancée, Ashley, and I spent a considerable amount of time muscling through crowds just to make it to each session. There’s so much to be said about the contagious joy in the air, the hilarious moments shared with old friends, the awe I felt listening to so many brilliant minds exhorting the people with passion, and all the amazing things that God did. When speaking with Ashley about the experience on the way back to Florida, it was difficult to put it into words. Jesus had left us both with a lot to chew on.

There’s a moment I keep returning to, however. It was the Eucharistic procession through the city on July 20, 2024. The shift in energy was instantaneous when Jesus Himself came down the street, preceded by clergy, religious brothers and sisters, hymns, and incense. Every knee bent to the pavement when He moved through the crowds. As we walked with Christ, I heard the rhythm of the rosary being prayed by men and women all around me, accompanied by the chorus of singing pilgrims. The sounds reverberated in my chest, danced across the skyscrapers, and escaped into the air above. While I was singing the words to the “Salve Regina,” I thought of all the non-Catholic bystanders watching us. How curious this sight must be to them. How different than what they were used to seeing on a normal commute in the city. What did they see in all of this?

After the Congress, when I was praying about it all, there was a phrase that came up that I think encapsulates the experience of the week: “You are seen.” This phrase is deeply personal for me in many ways, but as a servant of the Church working in a parish, it takes on even more dimension. The entire world is watching us, especially in this digital age. We also live in a time where, to secular eyes, it’s abnormal and foolish to be seen as a person of faith. I’ll admit, there have been moments when I’ve avoided seeming “too Catholic” to my non-Catholic peers out of fear of being ostracized or making them uncomfortable. Even in my work, there have been occasions where I’ve found myself making communications more “palatable” for audiences for similar reasons.

But after witnessing thousands outwardly express their faith with joyful zeal, I’m reminded that God doesn’t want us to hide ourselves. If we choose to hide our faith to conform to our broken society, we’re no better than Peter denying Jesus when our Lord began His Passion. How is anyone supposed to encounter Christ if we continually water down our faith and prevent Him from using us as His instruments? The Lord desires you to be seen, so others can see Him. So, live with joyful faith, heroic courage, and bold confidence. Be authentically Catholic, not just in your home or in your parish, but everywhere you go and to everyone you meet.

Timeline of the Three-Year National Eucharistic Revival: 2022-2025

June 19, 2022

Launch of the Eucharistic Revival on the feast of Corpus Christi.

June 19, 2022 to June 11, 2023

Diocesan leaders and priests participated in diocesan-level formation events and prepared for training Eucharistic missionaries for the parish revivals that began in June 2023.

June 11, 2023 to July 17, 2024

The revival happened in parishes, with the assistance of Eucharistic missionaries who lead efforts at the parish level.

July 17-21, 2024

Thousands of Catholics journeyed on pilgrimage to Indianapolis during the National Eucharistic Congress. The goal was to animate and strengthen them through a personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist.

July 17, 2024 to Pentecost 2025

The pilgrims who attended the National Congress were sent as missionaries to their dioceses and parishes and are called to invite others into our Eucharistic communities.