The Diocese of St. Petersburg made it possible for 90 pilgrims to receive a full-pass scholarship to attend the National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21, 2024. This event is part of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival and included appearances by some of our nation's most dynamic Catholic speakers, musicians, and leaders. Participants were expecting amazing things to happen and they were not disappointed.

“It's truly beyond any expectations,” said Diocese of St. Petersburg seminarian Spencer Grant about the experience.

“I'm amazed to see the faces as they're looking up on the Eucharist, just to see the transformations that are happening. To see the Lord really working on the hearts of every person in here has been truly, truly phenomenal,” added Grant. Father Chuck Dornquast, diocesan Director of Vocations, accompanied 17 seminarians on the pilgrimage to Indianapolis, where the Congress was held.

Participants experienced intimate and dramatic moments of prayer during Eucharistic Adoration inside the stadium. Moments of silence were coupled with beautiful hymns that include traditional, chant, gospel and contemporary music.

Dalia García-Pagan, 19, from St. Joseph Parish, Tampa, has prayed in Adoration before, but not with so many other people in one space.

“Just being here with 50,000 people, that's even more amazing. I think it's so cool how many people really want to experience His love and want to experience His presence,” said García-Pagan. Event organizers were originally expecting around 40,000 people but by Saturday night's event, approximately 60,000 filled the stadium.

Natalia Cano, a young adult who attends Nativity Parish, Brandon, was also a diocesan pilgrim.

“The National Eucharistic Congress has been really beautiful, very formative, just a beautiful experience to see so many souls on fire for our Eucharistic Lord, and to encounter just so many beautiful souls that have dedicated their lives to Him,” said Cano.

Lou Candelaria attends Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’ Lakes. He and wife have been blessed with five children. One son, Louie, is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg and one daughter Sister April Marie Josefina Candelaria is a Mercedarian Sister of the Blessed Sacrament.  He is in formation to become a deacon. He attended the Congress with an open heart to receive whatever the Lord has in store for him.

“I'm here at the National Eucharistic Congress to learn more about our beloved Savior, Jesus, and all the miracles, all the gifts, all the wonderful things that are available to us through the Eucharist. I'm here to set my heart on fire for the Eucharist,” said Candelaria.

David and Sue Richardson have been married 39 years. They attend St. Rita Parish, Dade City. They drove 15 hours to attend the National Eucharistic Congress to give public witness to their faith.

“Many times, we are quiet and not out in the public. We don't show our faith quite as much, so that people don’t really know we’re Catholic. I think that is absolutely going to happen at this time with everybody, and we'll be out there with the procession. I think that God can only bless us all because of it,” said Sue, referring to the Eucharistic Procession that was held on July 20th through the streets of downtown Indianapolis.