Image by Andrej Lišakov, Unsplash+
CV NEWS FEED // Tim Busch, the founder and president of the Napa Institute, is calling for a renewed push to evangelize through Eucharistic Processions and Adoration, following the “turning point” of the July National Eucharistic Congress.
The Napa Institute is a private, Catholic, philanthropic organization that “leverages liturgy, formation, and community to prepare leaders to bring truth, faith, and value into the modern world.”
According to a September 19 press release, Busch will be among thousands of Catholics participating in the “powerful public witness” of a Eucharistic Procession through Midtown Manhattan on October 15, an event that has grown significantly each year since it began in 2021.
As CatholicVote reported in August, attendees of the “Walk With Christ Through Manhattan” procession will also have the opportunity to venerate a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis brought from Assisi, Italy.
Busch stated that this year’s procession is “especially important,” as it follows the July National Eucharistic Congress.
“I believe the Congress marked a turning point in our nation’s history,” Busch stated.
Busch explained that before the National Eucharistic Congress, the majority of Catholics did not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
However, he pointed out, the situation has shifted, with 55% of Catholics now reaffirming their belief in the Eucharist as the “body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.”
“As impressive as that is,” Busch stated, “we must keep evangelizing—both our fellow Catholics and the broader society.”
Eucharistic Processions are a key method of public witness, according to Busch, and are “vitally important” in the cause of evangelization.
Busch called for a resurgence of Eucharistic processions, stating, “My prayer is that every Catholic school, parish, diocese, and university starts holding regular processions in the near future.”
Additionally, Busch advocated for the spread of perpetual adoration, citing the impact this practice has had on the Napa Institute’s events. He shared that his team at the Napa Institute dedicates one hour each week to adoration.
Beyond Napa, Busch shared that the Dominican Friars at St. Joseph’s Church in New York City have introduced the practice for the first time, providing an “ongoing witness in the heart of the city,” according to Busch.
On a personal level, Busch credited the Real Presence for drawing his mother and wife to the faith.
“I firmly believe that by preaching Christ in the Eucharist, we can convert our entire country,” he stated.
As CatholicVote previously reported, the National Eucharistic Revival has provided accessible guidelines for the Year on Mission evangelization effort, including a 4-Step Guide to bring someone back to the Church, as well as their “Walk With One” initiative.
“I challenge you to meditate on the fact that the Son of God would come down in the form of Flesh and Blood—not once, but daily, through the Mass,” Busch stated, adding, “I also hope you’ll encourage your own parish or ecclesiastical organization to proclaim the Real Presence, both through processions and adoration.”
Busch continued, “We are the only faith in the world that gives this testimony—the most powerful testimony there is.”
