In the midst of this Eucharistic Revival, I have noticed someone is missing from the conversation. And it is someone I would suggest our bishops take a page from: Bishop John Neumann.
The Eucharistic Congress is in full swing in Indianapolis right now, a historic event in the life of the American Church. Our Lord has been carried in pilgrimage across the continental United States, and now the People of God gather to be renewed and reenergized in both heart and mind at the foot of the altar.
There has been great catechesis and resources provided for the revival and surrounding the Congress, and many saints have been mentioned, including the patrons of the Congress (Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. Manuel González García, and St. Paschal Baylón).
But I can’t help but notice that someone is missing. And that someone is the Bishop we all need.
Saint John Neumann.
I generally try to focus on what we, as laity, can and should be doing in the Church. After all, it’s all we can really control: what is my call and how am I living that out? Much of the Eucharistic Revival has been grassroots and laity-led, and I think that’s important.
At the same time, we can’t ignore the fact that there are things we simply can’t do as laity, and there are certain responsibilities and graces given to the bishops as our shepherds. While the blame for the lack of belief in and understanding of the Real Presence doesn’t lie solely at their feet, we have to admit there have been failures for which they will be called to account. I think it’s time to take a page from Bishop John Neumann.
1. He’s our reminder that bishops can and should be saints.
Think of it. We have an American bishop who has been canonized. Why aren’t we asking for his help today? This is a man who knew our country, our parishes, our communities. He immigrated to America to serve the Catholic immigrants and to educate and evangelize.
2. He was a bishop who knew what his people needed: Jesus on the altar.
So often we get distracted by mission statements or pastoral plans. As John Paul II wrote at the close of the Year 200): “It is not therefore a matter of inventing a ‘new program.’ The program already exists…Ultimately, it has its center in Christ himself” (Novo millennio ineunte, 29) The irony? I know at least one diocese that put together a committee to develop a plan to implement Novo Millennio Ineunte!
On the flip side, John Neumann knew the answer to the problems in the Church and the world was to put Jesus on the altar. He became the first American bishop to promote the regular practice of 40 Hours throughout his diocese, despite pushback from the clergy of Philadelphia who feared it would stir up anti-Catholic violence.
3. John Neumann smelled like his sheep.
As bishop of Philadelphia, he was committed to being personally present to his people – even though he was bishop of the geographically largest diocese in America at that time. He traveled on horseback four to five months each year to all of his parishes, even the most remote. Between April of 1852 and December of 1859, he made 411 visits to 205 churches and missions found in 175 towns/cities in 34 counties in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He celebrated 29,369 Confirmations, approved the construction of 89 churches, and blessed 42 churches.
4. He knew that education was key.
The first bishop to organize a diocesan school system, he knew he needed catechized laity. When he became bishop in 1852, there were two schools in the diocese. By 1860, there were nearly one hundred. “Our Catholic youth can be saved only by Catholic schools,” he wrote in his first pastoral letter.
5. A humble and holy priest, he had his priorities straight.
At his first Mass, he prayed, “Dearest God, give me holiness.” His whole life revolved around that. He had to deal with criticism and persecution from inside and outside the church. Members of the Know-Nothing party burned down churches and schools in his diocese. He inherited a diocese in debt with an alarming shortage of priests. Even his fellow bishops were critical of his simplicity and zeal, gossiping behind his back that he wasn’t worthy to lead the historic and lofty diocese of Philadelphia.
A few years into Neumann’s episcopacy, the first papal nuncio to the US, Archbishop Gaetano Bedini, reported, “Still, I dare to mention the bishop of Philadelphia, who is not up to the importance of that great city. The question is not of doctrine or zeal or piety, but rather his personal shabbiness and disregard for fashion. The truth is that he is evidently holy and zealous, but more as a missionary than a Bishop.
I think we can all agree we need more Bishop Neumanns.
You can visit the National Shrine of John Neumann in downtown Philadelphia and pray at his tomb. I would highly recommend making a visit. Ask the only canonized US bishop to pray for our country, the land and the people he loved so much.
As I look forward to the fruits of the Revival, I would suggest our bishops take a page from their predecessor. What is the answer to the lack of faith and belief in the Eucharist?
We need to put Jesus on the altar. The laity need to be educated with solid catechesis that is not Catholic in name only. We need shepherds willing to visit the souls in their care, to celebrate the sacraments with us, to care more about souls than bottom lines, and to govern in truth rather than in fear.
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
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