The U.S. Bishops Conference has announced that the 11th National Eucharistic Congress will take place in the summer of 2029. This decision, voted on during their annual plenary assembly in Baltimore on Wednesday, November 12, aims to establish the event as a regular fixture moving forward. The specific city and dates are still pending determination.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, spoke to the USCCB, explaining that the decision to set the National Eucharistic Congress for 2029 was made to avoid overlapping with World Youth Day in 2027 (in South Korea) or the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028 (in Australia).
He also shared that the event location has been narrowed down to three cities, and that discussions are ongoing with leaders from all three about the possibility of hosting the congress.
Bishop Cozzens stated that the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress was a “time of great grace” for the Church in the United States, marking a powerful occasion for unity, celebration, and mission.
The first national Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille France on June 21, 1881. A few years later, in 1897, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed St. Paschal Baylón as the patron of these congresses. Since then, more than 50 international congresses have been held.
In a brief recap, Bishop Cozzens noted the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage—a 36-day journey spanning 10 states from Indianapolis to Los Angeles in the summer of 2025—drew a total participation of over 66,000 people.