National Eucharistic Congress
Almost our entire community and all of our summer volunteers and seminarians made the trip down to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress. Our community was very blessed to be heavily involved with this incredible event. Bishop Bob spoke on panels and presided and preached at one of the large youth Masses, Sr. Alicia helped with media, served on a panel, and helped to run the priest track, and all the other Franciscans and volunteers did an amazing job serving on the volunteer team. One special highlight mentioned by every Franciscan in attendance was the 60,000 person outdoor Eucharistic procession. Our sisters were asked to help usher EVERYONE out of the building and onto the street to take part in the procession and then had to literally run through the blocked-off street to catch up with where the other religious were processing, all the while being cheered on as if running a marathon! (see picture below!) You can read Sr. Alicia’s reflections on the Congress here, and keep an eye out for a future blog post to read Sr. Stephanie’s reflections, but for now it is enough to say that it was truly a life-changing experience for all involved, and our community is so honored to have been a part of helping to make it possible.
the Franciscan and summer student/seminarian Congress team! 
We ran into SO MANY old friends at the Congress! Here Sr. Jaime smiles with a former volunteer and his family 
Sr. Maggie and Sr. Emily working hard at registration 
Sr. Alicia worked with a team on giving an update on the many happenings each day of the Congress 
Sr. Emily doing on of the most Franciscan things ever – unloading hundreds of identical items out of a giant box 
Team OLA regrouping in the volunteer break room 
So many incredible religious communities were present! 
Sr. Macey acquiring a rare picture with our friends from the Contemplative MC’s here in Chicago 
Group shot of the sisters present at the Congress 
Enjoying the key note talks and worship music 
Sr. Stephanie in her glory 
Community praying at Mass 
Bishop Bob preaching an incredible homily during the youth Mass 
Sr. Kate desperately trying to direct people where to go! 
THE moment Sr. Kate and Sr. Maggie ran like Olympians to catch up with the other sisters in the procession 
Bishop Bob thriving during the outdoor Eucharistic Procession 
Most of the community gathered after Mass
Italy Pilgrimage
Right after the Congress, a few Franciscans had the opportunity to travel to Italy to be present for Br. Matt’s younger brother’s wedding. While in Italy, they were also able to travel on pilgrimage to Padua, Assisi, and Rome. Our Italian pilgrims had a wonderful time, were privileged to pray at many incredible Franciscan sites, and of course enjoyed very delicious food. Look for a future blog post detailing more highlights of the trip!
