THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 37 | MAY 10, 2024
BEHOLD
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Bishop James V. Johnston (closest to monstrance), Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph kneel in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament on an overlook at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 4 for Behold KC.
Eucharistic event captures the heart of Kansas City Catholics from both dioceses By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
The day was overcast, breezy and chilly. Individuals and families were only arriving in dribs and drabs when the event began at 4 p.m. Priests from ANSAS CITY, Mo. — The question in the Kansas and Missouri walked down from the memoriminds of many was this: Will the faithful al in pairs to the plywood confessionals at the north respond? end of the lawn, overlooking Union Station. On May 4, 1941, thousands of Catholics Musician Steve Angrisano, as master of ceremoin the Kansas City area gathered on the nies, offered welcome and music. Choirs sang and north lawn of what is now the National individuals gave witness talks. World War I Museum and Memorial Groups began arriving then, being To view the in Kansas City, Missouri, for the Holy led by individuals with banners anfull album of Name Rally and Closing First Diocesan nouncing their parish or organization. photos and Eucharistic Congress. And by the time women religious videos from Behold Inspired by the discovery of an old from various orders began to lead a KC, visit us on Facephotograph of this event, Bishop James rosary, the lawn was nearly covered. book @theleavenkc. Vann Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Yes, the faithful did respond, although Kansas City-St. Joseph and Archbishop numbers were at best a guess. Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City “I heard that 3,800 registered, which doesn’t inin Kansas issued the same invitation 83 years later. clude our buses and large groups,” said Deacon Dana The two ordinaries wanted the Behold KC – EuchaNearmyer, one of the event organizers and archdiristic Celebration on May 4, 2024, to be the regional ocesan director of evangelization. “We know many centerpiece of the U.S. bishops’ National Eucharistic people didn’t register but we’re happy to have them.” Revival. >> See “THOUSANDS” on page 9 But . . . would the faithful respond?
K LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
Thousands of Catholics participate in Mass on the memorial’s north lawn. They came in droves from Kansas City and beyond for the historic eucharistic event.