By Deacon Kyle Eller
In the Northern city of BEMIDJI, Minn., as reported by OSV News — Emphasizing the importance of Eucharistic devotion, Bishop Robert E. Barron of the Winona-Rochester diocese advised over 3,000 devotees to “Stay close to the fire.” This call to spiritual closeness was given during his keynote at the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress, a two-day spiritual event attended by Catholics from various regions including neighboring states, and as distant as Texas, California, and Canada.
Reiterating a poetic phrase from St. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Barron likened the act of consecration in Mass to igniting a mighty fire, signifying Christ’s presence. He also recalled how Eucharistic adoration has been a powerful practice in his spiritual life, inspired by his seminary students and the teachings of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
Bishop Daniel J. Felton continued the congress with a Holy Hour, leading meditations to encourage personal reflection and healing through Christ. Moreover, the event featured keynote speeches from influential clergy, including Father Mike Schmitz and serving as the commencement for a Eucharistic pilgrimage.
The assembled crowd was also addressed by Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, the latter who spoke on the necessity of reigniting one’s spiritual fire, comparable to a bonfire, starting with individual devotion.
While the congress represented a strong showing of faith, the words of the speakers also touched upon the need to reach out to those who are distant from the church, highlighting the ultimate goal of the Eucharistic Revival — to enkindle love for Jesus in the hearts of all, particularly the youth.
Father Schmitz, despite being unable to attend due to health issues, contributed through a recorded message, urging participants to carry the message of Jesus’s resurrection back to their communities. Echoing the sentiments of the attendees, the event was deemed a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, and a galvanizing moment for Minnesota’s Catholics.
Deacon Kyle Eller is the editor of The Northern Cross, the newspaper for the Diocese of Duluth.
FAQ Section
- Who gave the opening keynote address at the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress?
- Bishop Robert E. Barron gave the opening keynote address.
- Where did the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress take place?
- The congress was held at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.
- How many Catholics attended the event?
- Over 3,000 Catholics attended the two-day congress.
- What was one of the main themes of Bishop Barron’s address?
- Bishop Barron focused on staying close to the “fire” kindled by the consecration during Mass, emphasizing the importance of Eucharistic adoration.
- What is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and how does it relate to the congress?
- The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a journey carrying the Blessed Sacrament across the country, which began with the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress in Minnesota.
- What message did Father Mike Schmitz convey in his remarks?
- Father Schmitz spoke about the need for attendees to share their experience of Christ with others and the urgency of being witnesses of their faith.
Conclusion
The Star of the North Eucharistic Congress was an emblematic gathering for Catholics in Minnesota, filled with powerful talks and fervent prayer. Speakers like Bishop Barron and Father Schmitz highlighted the importance of staying close to the Eucharistic presence and taking the message of the Gospel out into the world. The event served not only as a spiritual refresher for attendees but also as a launching point for the broader Eucharistic Revival aiming to reinvigorate faith across the nation. The testimonies of change, commitment, and evangelization that emerged from this congress show a vibrant Catholic community ready to keep the flame of Christ’s presence alive in their hearts and beyond.