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‘We are coming to let Jesus change us’ — Beach-area faithful drawn spiritually to Diocese of Wilmington’s Eucharistic Congress

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People have lunch on the dock of the bay during the Eucharistic Congress in Ocean City, Saturday, October 5, 2024. Photo/Don Blake
 

OCEAN CITY, MD. – Beach Catholics were among the throngs of faithful who gathered Oct. 5 for the Diocese of Wilmington’s Eucharistic Congress.

A large crowd filled the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to hear speakers, go to confession, watch movies, and attend Mass celebrated by Bishop Koenig. The Most Rev. Richard Henning was the keynote speaker for the event.

Dozens of parishes were represented at the event, although every attendee had their own unique reason for being drawn to the water’s edge.

Michael Iacangelo of St. Edmond Church in Rehoboth Beach said he came with few preconceived ideas. “My wife and my faith brought me,” he smiled. “I was open to whatever transpired here today.”

While he didn’t have specific goals, he said that being surrounded by so many other Catholics in a different setting was both comforting and encouraging.

Chris Francone from St. Mary Star of the Sea in Ocean City came with a touching story borne from pain and loss. She said that when her husband was diagnosed with cancer, she was saying goodbye to her in-laws at the airport when the tears began to flow. A stranger stopped her and asked what was wrong.

When she explained that her in-laws were leaving, the other woman knew something must be amiss. “Honey, you need a cup of coffee,” she said. Then, for hours over coffee and Kleenex, Chris was able to open up and share her pain and fear with a stranger.

She came because “I love God, and I know he loves me.” Knowing that and realizing that changed her life, she said. It was all because of a seemingly chance encounter at Reagan International Airport. “Jesus sent me an angel,” she said.

Suzanne Howarth of St. Jude the Apostle in Lewes wanted to attend the national event but chose the less expensive and more accessible local event. “So far, it’s good,” she said as she waited for lunch. “I’m just here looking to learn more, meet some great people and spend the day with the Lord.”

Diana Massino splits her time between Maryland and St. Ann in Bethany Beach. She also attended the National Congress in Indianapolis with 60,000 of her closest friends. “Jesus wants every single person to fall in love with him,” she said.

We are not coming to change, she said. “We are coming to let Jesus change us.”

“It feeds the soul. We need to be fed. We are starving.”