INDIANAPOLIS – Danielle Schmitz energetically darted about the National Eucharistic Congress’ Exhibit Hall on July 20, still encountering lay people, clergy, and religious with a calming presence.
She got a lot of practice during the previous two months. The Catholic University of America rising senior - a theology major and philosophy minor – just served as a perpetual pilgrim on the Marian Route, a 60-day Eucharistic journey from Minnesota to Indiana.
She was part of a group of young adults that walked through Wisconsin and Illinois along with the Eucharist before arriving at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 17 for the opening ceremonies.
“Every piece of suffering and struggling was worth it,” Schmitz said. “I'm so convicted it’s going to be a crucial part of actually seeing a revival in the church. Like we have to step into the mess. We have to step into the suffering and struggling.”
The 10th National Eucharistic Congress is part of the National Eucharistic Revival started by the U.S. Bishops. The movement is, in part, an answer to national polling results that found a third of American Catholics believe in the real presence of the Eucharist.
When her group entered the darkened, nearly silent NFL stadium filled with more than 45,000 people, Schmitz could barely contain her glee.
“I just got to witness hundreds, if not thousands of people every single day encounter Jesus, whether it be for the first time or the 100th time,” Schmitz said. “And when you see that happening, it's worth it. Like every moment of suffering and exhaustion and pain, all the challenges of the summer - the lack of sleep, inconsistency in schedule, and every difficult conversation. All of it was worth it.”
Schmitz is used to unconventional journeys. A native of Santa Clara, she grew up with no real knowledge of the University, other than a recommendation from a friend. She felt the tug of something calling her to the nation’s capital.
“It's hard to explain why you're moving across the country when you don't exactly know why,” Schmitz said. “I knew it was where I was supposed to be.”
Schmitz was undecided about her academic journey when she arrived at the University. She engaged in the social scene first. Even though she came from a family of engaged Catholics, she wasn’t initially drawn spiritually. That is, until she spontaneously decided to attend a daily Mass on campus.
“Upon receiving the Eucharist in communion, I felt his love and I felt him speak to me and my identity as his daughter. It changed everything,” she confessed.
At Catholic University, Schmitz has received top-flight counsel from people like Susan Timoney, an associate professor of practice in Pastoral Studies and Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies. Timoney is also director of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and the Doctor of Ministry Program.
“Dr. Timoney has been just such an amazing mentor and always been in my corner cheering me on in everything that the Lord has been asking of me,” Schmitz said.
Schmitz explained that the University, founded by the nation’s bishops, allows for a deeper understanding of the faith, the Church and her role in evangelization.
"It was through the community and support that I found there,” Schmitz said. “I've been able to grow and fall deeper and deeper in love with Him and have the boldness to share faith and a willingness to say yes when He calls. And it's beyond a shadow of a doubt. I know if it wasn't for Catholic University, I wouldn't be here."
Many people attending the Congress wondered what was next after this mountaintop experience. Schmitz isn’t going to guess what’s in store because she’s learned listening is the key to a Eucharistic journey.
“I don't know what life is going to look like after this,” she said. “All I know is that I've been privileged this summer. And whatever it is, it is His perfect will. And I couldn't ask for anything more.”