National Eucharistic Congress monstrance on permanent display in cathedral, available for loan

The monstrance from the National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis in July was gifted to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and, except for when on loan, is on display in SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. Blessed by Pope Francis, the monstrance, made in Guadalajara, Mexico, stands 4 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs more than 20 pounds. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer)

By Natalie Hoefer

Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis was dimly lit on July 17, the first evening of the National Eucharistic Congress.

Suddenly, spotlights high overhead swept across the crowd of some 50,000 people to converge on one point: Jesus Christ borne in a massive, golden monstrance, seeming to glow and radiate in the focused light as Crookston, Minn., Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens processed with it into the stadium.

Bearing the Lord’s presence, the monstrance—blessed by Pope Francis—drew attention and awe throughout the five-day congress. It was present at each evening session. It was carried via an elaborate float through downtown Indianapolis in a spirited eucharistic procession of some 60,000 people. And it was used to bless the same hushed adorers in an outdoor Benediction.

SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis is now the permanent home of that historic monstrance, a gift to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

“When the National Eucharistic Congress leadership was studying the history of the nine previous congresses in the United States, they found that the monstrance used in each of them stayed in the host diocese,” explains Father James Brockmeier, archdiocesan director of worship. “Following that history and custom, the [current] National Eucharistic Congress leadership decided to leave the monstrance with us in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.”

The monstrance was made in Guadalajara, Mexico, and honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the National Eucharistic Revival. It stands 4 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs more than 20 pounds. Figurines of the four Gospel writers adorn the base of the monstrance.

It is on permanent display in a case in the nave of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis—except when it’s on loan.

“As it has become a recognizable sign of the National Eucharistic Revival, different groups, including many dioceses who are hosting their own eucharistic revival events, have asked to use the monstrance,” says Father Brockmeier.

The monstrance can also be borrowed by parishes, schools and agencies of the archdiocese for the same purpose.

When the monstrance is on loan, a note will be placed in the case stating “who is using it, so that we can pray for them as they use it,” he says.

When the monstrance is not on loan, it will be used for a holy hour after the cathedral’s 10 a.m. Mass on the second Sunday of each month.

Father Brockmeier says he was “very excited” when he heard the monstrance would stay in the archdiocese and be displayed in the cathedral.

“The National Eucharistic Congress was such a blessing for the archdiocese,” says Father Brockmeier. “… It’s beautiful to see people’s excitement in seeing the monstrance and remembering the moments of grace in adoration and the procession at the congress.”

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson agrees.

“The archdiocese was greatly blessed and honored” to host the nation’s 10th eucharistic congress, he says.

“To be gifted with the monstrance blessed by Pope Francis for the congress was unexpected but deeply appreciated. … By having it displayed in SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, we can be reminded of continued blessings flowing from the National Eucharist Congress while praying for our brothers and sisters of other dioceses that may borrow it from time to time.

“In essence, may the monstrance inspire us to remain Christ-centered in both receiving and sharing blessings of the real presence of Jesus Christ in the most holy Eucharist.”
 

(To request the use of the monstrance or to inquire if it is present in SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, call the cathedral office at 317-634-4519.) †