As part of the National Eucharistic Revival promoted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the bishops of New York State held a statewide Eucharistic Congress at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, N.Y., Oct. 20-22. An estimated 8,500 people registered for the congress, and many more than that showed up. In addition to keynote addresses, prayer, praise, and worship, there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the 40 hours of conference, as well as confessions around the clock.

Br. Richard Therrien, one of the attendees on Oct. 21, said there were at least 20 bishops from across New York State and hundreds of priests and religious. He said Mass was a highlight of the day. There was also a Eucharistic procession that afternoon. Brother Richard was given a ride to the shrine by Charles Aviles, who was once a student in one of his adult faith formation classes. He borrowed a wheelchair from St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon, N.Y., where he resides, so he could ambulate around the coliseum of the shrine.

Fr. Erik Lenhart and Br. Francisco Serrano also attended the congress. Father Erik boarded a bus of pilgrims at New Paltz, N.Y. Brother Francisco came from St. Michael-St. Malachy Parish in Brooklyn.