ON THE ROAD TO INDIANAPOLIS (07-16-2024) – (Photo) The delegation of Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist attending the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 18-21 stand by the sculpture of Saint Clare of Assisi on the Franciscan campus in Meriden, Connecticut just a few days before leaving for Indianapolis. From left, the Sisters and their centers are Sister Angela Marie Castellani, Bridal Veil, Oregon; Sister Mary Mercy Lee, Meriden; Sister Anna Rose Kalinowski and Sister Collette Maritim, Lowell, Michigan; Sister Christianna Hamman, Lewiston, Maine; Sister Marie Benedict Elliott, Falls Church, Virginia; Sister Amaris Salata, Meriden; Sister Grace Marie Horan, Falls Church; and Sister Faith Marie Woolsey, Meriden.
During the past year, Sister Marie Benedict Elliott has been working on a communications committee for the National Eucharistic Revival office. She is looking forward to the event in Indianapolis: “It has been a privilege to serve on the Heart of the Revival Newsletter editorial team. I look forward to seeing the Lord at work in this gathering and to hearing the stories of those participating. We also appreciate the support of those in union of prayer at home.”
Sister Grace Marie Horan enthusiastically commented, “As Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, this is a blessed opportunity to witness to our love for Jesus in the Eucharist, in union with Catholics from around the nation. We hope a revival of this love will affect every aspect of our lives as Catholics trying to bring God’s love to every person and situation we meet, since all our activity flows from this center of Eucharistic love and devotion.”
Sister Anna Rose Kalinowski served on the Eucharistic Revival Committee for the Diocese of Grand Rapids the past year and is looking forward to a wonderful experience of meeting Catholics from across the nation who also have been active in preparing for the culminating event.
Sister Amaris Salata is excited to meet other Catholics: “This is an exciting opportunity to join with Catholics from across the country in witnessing to our Faith and Jesus our Eucharistic Lord!”
Sister Faith Marie Woolsey expressed her anticipation of the days in Indianapolis: “We are looking forward to sharing the life and vibrancy of the Church along with many other religious, priests, laity and families of all ages and backgrounds. We pray our collective presence will spark a renewed awareness of the presence of Christ in the world and bring many people back to the Eucharist!”
Sister Mary Mercy Lee summarized the hope of the entire Revival in a few words: “I am excited to go with the group of Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and be a Eucharistic presence to all we meet! I pray that the graces of the Congress convert hearts to our Eucharistic Lord and transform our entire country!”