by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It began with a forgotten photograph found in the archives of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
The 83-year-old black and white photograph shows a crowd of thousands gathered outside at night before a stage, raised on the north lawn in front of the Great Frieze of what is now the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.
The caption on the photograph reads, “Holy Name Rally and Closing First Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, Kansas City, Mo., May 4, 1941.”
It’s a powerful photograph that speaks across the years of a robust Catholic faith.
The photograph was shared with Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr., of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, who shared it with his neighbor, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
And then they had an idea: Why not do it again?
The two bishops hope that thousands of Catholics will again gather at that same place from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on May 4 for BEHOLD KC, a eucharistic adoration event that is part of the U.S. bishops’ three-year National Eucharistic Revival.
This is the first big local event of the revival.
“BEHOLD KC will be another opportunity to join with thousands of other Catholics from Kansas and Missouri to worship our eucharistic Lord,” said Archbishop Naumann. “I believe that many will experience the depths of God’s love for them in a deeper, more profound way.”
Deacon Dana Nearmyer hopes that today’s Catholics will respond with as much faith as those who gathered in the past.
“[BEHOLD KC] has been tagged as one of the largest eucharistic celebrations in modern Kansas City history,” said Deacon Nearmyer, archdiocesan director of evangelization.
“We want as many people as possible to come and experience this, so they have that same kind of ‘mile marker’ in their head, that so many people prioritized coming together to pray with their bishops and priests with the Eucharist in one of the most prominent places in [the metropolitan area].”
This once-in-a-lifetime event, which occurs during the “Mission” phase of this third year of Eucharistic Revival, is a unique opportunity to experience the unity of the church, strengthen our own faith and evangelize others through public witness, according to Deacon Nearmyer.
The event will include a bilingual Spanish/English Mass and rosary, opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation and eucharistic adoration, and musical performances by local parish choirs and nationally known Catholic recording artist and composer Steve Angrisano.
Registration for this free event is not required but is strongly recommended. Details and registration can be found online at: www.beholdkc.org.
Who will be there?
• Archbishop Naumann from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
• Bishop Johnston from the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph
What can I expect?
• Praise, worship and music from both local and national talent
• The sacrament of reconciliation
• Rosary
• Celebration of Mass
• Eucharistic adoration
When is the event?
May 4 from 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Where is the event?
The National World War I Memorial north lawn (the side facing Union Station)
2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, Missouri
Why should I attend?
• It’s been over 80 years since a public outdoor eucharistic adoration event of this size has occurred in Kansas City!
• Boldly praise and worship Jesus present in the Eucharist.
• Gather with Catholics and non-Catholics in a collective expression of love for Jesus.
• Satisfy your weekend Mass obligation in a whole new way.
FAQ
Q. Why this date and location?
A. The first major outdoor eucharistic adoration event in Kansas City occurred at the Liberty Memorial on May 4, 1941. As the National Eucharistic Revival closes out its Parish Year in 2024, this celebration recreates the first gathering from 80-plus years ago.
Q. Is registration required?
A: While this is a free event, we strongly recommend registering in advance so that we can communicate event updates.
Q: What can/can’t we bring?
A: Plan to bring your own seating. Guests will be allowed to bring in one sealed water bottle, up to one liter, per person. Do not bring tents, tables, grills, outside food and beverages, hard-sided coolers or picnic baskets.
Q. Can we bring food?
A. No. We are working on some plans for food options on-site or near the event venue while still observing the one hour fast prior to receiving holy Communion.
Q. Where do we park?
A. There are a number of parking options for this event. A grass lot on the east side of the National WWI Museum and Memorial will be available for public parking. Paid public parking lots may also be available at Union Station. Limited accessible parking will be available on the U-shaped drive on the south side of the National WWI Museum. Group and bus parking options will be available. Reach out to us online at: BeholdKC@gmail.com for more information on bus/group parking.
Q. How are you keeping us safe?
A. We are planning for a comprehensive security presence that will include limited access areas, private security and KCPD.
Q. What happens if it rains or there is severe weather?
A. The event will go on rain or shine.
