Rays of Hope
CHARLOTTE — Thousands of Catholics took to the streets of Charlotte to dance, pray, sing and carry banners representing parishes and ministries on a gorgeous warm Saturday morning.
More than 100 banners representing parishes and ministries stood tall against the Charlotte skyline for the 2025 Eucharistic Congress.
Faithful kneeled as Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets of Uptown Charlotte. Young children in strollers clapped along with the sounds of the enthusiastic crowd.
U.B. and Rayanne Herrera from St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva were all smiles as they walked with the group from their parish. It was his first year and her second year taking part in the procession.
Mr. Herrera was amazed by the large crowds and loved the sense of joy he felt around him.
“I feel a real sense of community here, with people from all over the Diocese here in a show of faith,” he said. “You don’t really realize how large the Catholic community we have is until you come to an event like this.”
Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., and young priests carried the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Charlotte.
The Eucharistic Procession culminated inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where Bishop Martin delivered the Holy Hour homily to a crowd of about 11,000.
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by David Puckett, Patrick Schneider, Lisa Geraci, Liz Chandler, Amy Burger and Olivia DiGiovanni
