Eucharistic Congress designed to strengthen faith of God’s people

As full members of the Catholic Church, we are privileged to receive and consume the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ every time we participate in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. But I think we are not consuming the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ but on the other hand we are being consumed by Jesus; to love us and to strengthen us in our faith journey.
 
The National Eucharistic Congress aimed to deepen and to revive our understanding of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not just a symbol, but it is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus which he instituted during the Last Supper. Thus, in our faithful participation of the Mass (and all the sacraments), particularly in frequently receiving the Body of Jesus, we hope to attain salvation through Him.
 
We celebrated the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 17-21. I am privileged to have been one of more than 50 thousand Catholics - hundreds of bishops, thousands of priests and deacons, thousands of seminarians and religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful here in the country – who were there to renew, revive and strengthen my faith. To be part of the National Eucharistic Congress and experience the different activities, listen to different talks, and to adore Jesus together with all the faithful who participated, strengthened my desire to serve God, God willing, as His priest. It strengthens my desire to be “Alter Christus” and to feed God’s people with his word and the eucharist.
 
One of the highlights of the National Eucharistic Congress was the procession of the Eucharist from the Stadium down to the Capitol of Indianapolis. The clergy and religious walked in front of the Blessed Sacrament followed by all the faithful and together we adored Jesus. It was little after 3 p.m. when we arrived at the capitol and reposed Jesus. The time, the weather, and the elevated place where we placed the Blessed Sacrament led me to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus.
 
That experience was powerful enough to make me cry and ask God to lead me closer to Him. After the holy hour I looked for a priest for confession because I know that being free from my sin will surely lead me closer to God and deepen my desire to be a priest of God who will lead the people of God back to him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
 
During the closing Mass, I had the privilege to serve the papal delegate, Cardinal Tagle, and as the deacon of the Word in front of those thousands present there and millions of people who were with us watching over the television and other forms of social media. I felt unworthy, but God helped me realize that I just need to offer everything that he gave to me, and He will use it for His greater glory. I am grateful for the insight that the experience brought me and that is the hunger for the word of God and the Eucharist.
 
As a future priest I am hoping to be His instrument of love who will generously offer up myself so that the word of God and the Eucharist will be offered for God’s people. The National Eucharistic Congress renewed and rekindled my desire to be a priest of God so that I can help other people to renew their faith and help them in their faith journey. I wish to hold the joy in my heart longer from that experience so that I can share the joy to other people especially for the people that God wants me to serve as priest.
 
Jerome Ocampo is a transitional deacon studying at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall.