The next National Eucharistic Congress will be held during the summer of 2029 in a to-be-determined city, the members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) voted Wednesday, November 12.
The bishops were asked to vote on an action item setting the date of the next National Eucharistic Congress as part of their annual Plenary Assembly meeting, which was held in Baltimore, Maryland.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, addressed the USCCB, explaining that the 2029 date was chosen as to not conflict with World Youth Day in 2027 (in South Korea) or the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028 (in Australia).
Bishop Cozzens said the location had been narrowed down to three cities, and that he had been in talks with leadership from all three about potentially hosting the event.
The 10th National Eucharistic Congress, held in Indianapolis in 2024, was a "time of great grace for the Church in the United States," said Bishop Cozzens. "It was a moment of unity, a moment of celebration, a moment of incredible grace. A moment of mission."
Congresses gather the faithful nationally, internationally
The first Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille, France, on June 21, 1881, thanks in large part to the efforts of a laywoman.
Just a few years later, in 1897, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed St. Paschal Baylón as the patron of these congresses. Since then, more than 50 international congresses have been held.
Renewing a national tradition
Last year, at the International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, "The Holy See representative of Eucharistic Congress encouraged us to resume our long-lost tradition of having a National Eucharistic Congress every four years," said Bishop Cozzens.
While the 10th National Eucharistic Congress was in 2024, "the ninth was in 1941," said Cozzens, adding "we had quite a gap in there."
Aside from not conflicting with international Church gatherings, the 2029 date for the 11th National Eucharistic Congress "would enable us to help build on the momentum towards the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 2031."
The bishops voted overwhelmingly to approve the summer 2029 date, with only 19 opposed.
Another National Eucharistic Pilgrimage coming
Bishop Cozzens also gave a short recap of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which was held in the summer of 2025 from Indianapolis to Los Angeles.
Over 66,000 people participated during the 36-day pilgrimage across 10 states, said Cozzens.
"Plans are underway for the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage," said Cozzens, adding that the routes will be finalized in "the weeks ahead."
