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The #1 Catholic app, Hallow, has teamed with the Archdiocese of Detroit to launch a new campaign in support of the National Eucharistic Revival. Called I AM HERE, the endeavor seeks to inspire people to encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
Launched on June 14, just days before the three-year grassroots National Eucharistic Revival began, I AM HERE offers valuable resources for prayer and reflection. These include a website launched for the campaign, as well as meditations on the True Presence, found on the Hallow app. In addition, parishes are encouraged to partner with I AM HERE to share their own stories and promote Eucharistic Adoration.
Website
On the website, I AM HERE posts testimonials from those who have had transformative encounters with Christ in the Eucharist. Presented in photo essays, these real accounts of profound experiences before the Blessed Sacrament and are told in the first person. I AM HERE welcomes the faithful to submit their own stories and experiences, which could very well be selected as their weekly feature.
In a press release, Edmundo Reyes, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit, commented:
“We are excited to share with everyone these beautiful photo essays and powerful testimonies from individuals who have had encounters with Christ in the Eucharist, and we are looking forward to hearing more from people around the country.”
Hallow app
In partnership with Hallow, I AM HERE is presenting six audio meditations written and read by Julianne Stanz. A nationally acclaimed writer and speaker, Stanz serves as Director of Discipleship and Parish Life for the Diocese of Green Bay, and is a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. She is also a member of the executive team for the National Eucharistic Revival.
These meditations are designed to facilitate prayer and Eucharistic Adoration. Hallow supports the faithful with the texts for prayers and guidance through the practice of Adoration. The meditations come free of charge and Hallow has noted that they plan to expand their catalog of meditation in the future.
Kevin Cotter, Head of Content at Hallow, explained in the press release:
“Our mission at Hallow is to help people pray, so this was a natural partnership for us to provide these wonderful meditations to help people as they pray before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our first six meditations take the listener on a journey of encountering Christ in the Eucharist, each centering on a truth about the nature of God: I am with you; I am love; I am the way.”
Parish partnerships
In addition to their online and mobile resources, I AM HERE is partnering with local parishes throughout the United States. Partnered parishes receive banners and postcards that can be used to help promote participation in Eucharistic Adoration. I AM HERE organizers will work closely with parish communities to source inspirational stories from the congregants to be featured on the website.
Aleteia spoke with a representative of I AM HERE, who noted that Catholic communities are still feeling the impact of the world pandemic, recent social unrest, geopolitical crises, and increased polarization on the national stage. Speaking on the importance of the Eucharistic Revival in the U.S., the spokesperson said:
“According to the Revival organizers, more than 30% of Catholics have not returned to Mass regularly following the pandemic, and recent data suggests the majority of Mass-going Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Our response to these and all difficulties is to turn to the only One who can provide true healing: Jesus Christ. We turn to Christ in the Eucharist because it is the source and summit of our faith – the greatest gift that can heal, convert, form, and unify us.”
And today we celebrate...