From July 17 to July 21, Fr. Skluzacek and Jitka Hromek-Vaitla had the immense privilege of attending the 83rd National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, not only as Catholic pilgrims but also as representatives of the North American Pastoral Center for Czech Catholics, along with over 60,000 fellow Catholics. It was a time of spiritual renewal, a time to step away from the busyness of life and enter into the mystery of Christ’s love, made so present to us in the Eucharist. Together, we embraced the rich traditions of our faith and the legacy of our founder, Bishop Peter Esterka.
Throughout the week, we participated in moments of prayer, adoration, reflection, and celebration, all centered around the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith. There were workshops, Masses, and inspiring speakers, but one of the most moving experiences came on the final night, where thousands of us knelt together in adoration at Lucas Oil Stadium. Thousands of us knelt in silent adoration of the Eucharist, and in that stillness, a simple song played softly in the background: “Set a fire down in my soul, I want more of you God. No place I’d rather be than here in your love…” As the words echoed through the massive stadium, we felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
Throughout the week, we participated in moments of prayer, adoration, reflection, and celebration, all centered around the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith. There were workshops, Masses, and inspiring speakers, but one of the most moving experiences came on the final night, where thousands of us knelt together in adoration at Lucas Oil Stadium. Thousands of us knelt in silent adoration of the Eucharist, and in that stillness, a simple song played softly in the background: “Set a fire down in my soul, I want more of you God. No place I’d rather be than here in your love…” As the words echoed through the massive stadium, we felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
We had the joy of sharing our mission with fellow attendees—Czech Catholics from across North America and even from abroad. Many expressed gratitude for the work we do to preserve our heritage, foster spiritual growth, and support Czech Catholic communities. It was deeply affirming to see how many people valued our mission and were eager to engage with our work, whether through pilgrimages, community events, or pastoral care initiatives.
One of the highlights of the Congress was the keynote address by Bishop Robert Barron, who challenged us to forsake the empty promises of power, pleasure, honor, and wealth. Instead, he called us to live as “spiritual athletes,” embracing the disciplines of faith—prayer, charity, and sacrifice—as the path to true holiness. His words, rooted in the wisdom of saints like Dorothy Day, spoke directly to the heart of our mission. Bishop Barron’s closing words, “Do that, and we will set the world on fire,” left a deep impression on me. They are a call not only to live our faith with renewed vigor but to ensure that our mission at the North American Pastoral Center for Czech Catholics continues to inspire and serve the next generation.
Representing NAPCCC, I was filled with a sense of gratitude for our community and the opportunity to continue the mission started by Bishop Peter Esterka, whose vision and dedication brought our foundation to life. Bishop Esterka was a tireless advocate for Czech Catholics in North America, always ensuring that we would have a place to nurture our faith, preserve our heritage, and support one another in our spiritual journey. His legacy is alive in every aspect of our work, and at the Congress, we had the privilege of sharing that legacy with others who were eager to hear more about the work we continue to do.
As we reflect on the Congress, we are filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this incredible experience. It was a time of personal spiritual growth but also a moment to carry forward the mission of the North American Pastoral Center for Czech Catholics. We left Indianapolis with a renewed sense of purpose—energized by the faith of those we met and inspired to continue our work.
