WASHINGTON, D.C. — The upcoming National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress present an unprecedented opportunity for Catholics across the country. This event, heartily endorsed by the Vatican, offers attendees the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences, a spiritual benefit that has profound implications for the believer’s spiritual journey.
This blessing from Pope Francis, given to those participating in the National Eucharistic Congress, is met with gratitude by Catholic leaders, such as Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He asserts that opportunities to foster encounters, provoke personal conversions, and form disciples are the heart and soul of a personal faith revival. These experiences, in turn, can be the fruits of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress coming this summer.
These upcoming events are significant landmarks in the three-year Eucharistic Revival initiative by U.S. Bishops. A specific request was made to the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican office entrusted with the granting and use of indulgences, for a plenary indulgence for the faithful who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. It was further requested that Archbishop Broglio or another prelate be designated to bestow the Apostolic Blessing with a Plenary Indulgence for the Christian faithful at the National Eucharistic Congress.
“The work of the revival over the last two years has been leading up to the pilgrimage and congress. This will provide Catholics with the chance to experience a deep, personal revival of faith in the Eucharist. Pope Francis continues to offer encouragement and support as we strive to share Christ’s love with a world desperately in need of His presence,” says Archbishop Broglio, upon learning that Pope Francis has recently granted these requests.
The Apostolic Penitentiary, with approval from Pope Francis, issued a decree that the plenary indulgence will be granted to the Christian faithful who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage between May 17 and July 16, 2024. This indulgence is also extended to the elderly, the infirm, and those who are housebound for serious reasons, provided they unite in spirit with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The conditions for this indulgence are sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
A further blessing of this event is that the faithful may apply this indulgence to the souls of departed believers in Purgatory. Acknowledging this remarkable event, the Apostolic Penitentiary also requests that all priests equipped with the necessary faculties for hearing Confessions make themselves willingly available to administer the Sacrament of Penance to all participants in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
A second decree by the Apostolic Penitentiary, also approved by Pope Francis, states that after the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Archbishop Broglio or another designated prelate may impart the Papal Blessing with a Plenary Indulgence to the Christian Faithful. This is specifically for those participating in the National Eucharistic Congress, who are genuinely repentant and motivated by charity. The indulgence is conditional on sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions.
The National Eucharistic Revival, which began in 2022 on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), will continue through 2025. Following the congress, a “Year of Missionary Sending” will commence, where Catholics from all walks of life will be dispatched to share the love of Christ that they have encountered through the Eucharist. As anticipation builds for these landmark events, Catholics across the country are preparing to embark on a spiritual journey like no other, deepening their faith through participation in these momentous events.
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