Through the streets
CHARLOTTE — Thousands of Catholics took to the streets of Charlotte to dance, pray, sing and carry banners representing parishes and ministries on Saturday morning.
Parishioners and group participants lined up behind more than 100 banners representing them as the faithful took part in this highly visible moment of the 2026 Eucharistic Congress set against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., and young priests carried the Blessed Sacrament through the crowd-lined streets, where the faithful kneeled as the procession passed.
The Eucharistic Procession culminated inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where Father Kevin Martinez, parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, delivered the Holy Hour homily to a crowd of thousands.
— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Jason Blanco, Liz Chandler, Edward Chaplinsky Jr.,Olivia DiaGiovanni, Troy C. Hull, Patrick Schneider, Brian Segovia and provided
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What to know before you go
CHARLOTTE — Rediscover hope. Renew your spirit. Walk with Christ. Join thousands of faithful at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 11 and 12 to get energized by Bishop Michael Martin and other dynamic Catholic voices, experience one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the nation, and celebrate and deepen your faith.
This is more than an event – it’s a journey of renewal and a call to share the message of Hope with a world longing for it. Find the full schedule of events, speaker profiles, Eucharistic procession instructions, FAQs and more at goeucharist.com.
Get the app
Everything you need for the Eucharistic Congress – right on your phone! Get it here.
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Getting there
Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Surface parking lots are also available. Better yet: take the light rail line or ride share.
The Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside food from being brought in, including coolers. Concessions are available inside, and many restaurants are located nearby.
Come early Friday
Join in a networking happy hour and connect with young Catholics, starting at 5:30 p.m. Stay for a welcome from Bishop Martin, a speech from podcaster Ana Muley and a concert by The Scally Brothers.
Must do at the Eucharistic Congress
Eucharistic Procession: Saturday at 9 a.m., beginning outside St. Peter Church on South Tryon Street. Find a place along the route and join in as Bishop Martin passes by carrying the Blessed Sacrament.More info.
Closing Mass: Pre-Mass music with The Vigil Project begins at 3:45 p.m., followed by the Closing Mass with Bishop Martin at 4 p.m. in Hall A/B. It’s a powerful way to conclude the Congress together – and the Mass fulfills the Sunday obligation.
Don’t miss this
- Browse commercial and informational vendors from 5 p.m. to closing Friday, Sept. 11, and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
- Haven’t been to confession in a while? Here’s your chance! Dozens of priests will be on hand to hear confessions: 11:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
Find your quiet spot
The Eucharistic Congress is one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the Southeast, but you can still find peaceful places to recharge. The Adoration Chapel (Upper Level West) is often calmer around lunchtime. Outdoors, the College Street fountains and The Green park across the street offer space to relax.
Leave your mark
Place your prayer intentions into our boat display (Concourse A), mark your parish home on our “Where are you from?” map, and let people know how you share Jesus with others on our interactive writing wall upstairs.