National Eucharistic Revival A Success Per Survey

Jesus proclaimed in the Gospel of John: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself"(John 12:32, NIV). These profound words, spoken in the context of His impending crucifixion, point to the power of His sacrifice on the Cross to attract humanity to salvation. In the mystery of the Eucharist, this promise finds a beautiful and ongoing fulfillment. Because Jesus is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the consecrated host, raising the Eucharist in adoration, in the monstrance during processions, or in exaltation during Holy Hours is nothing less than lifting up Christ Himself. Just as He foretold, when the Blessed Sacrament is elevated in glory and reverence, He draws crowds to Himself, stirring hearts, renewing faith, and gathering believers in profound encounters with His Real Presence.

The National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2022, aimed to renew Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This movement responded to earlier concerns about declining understanding and devotion among U.S. Catholics, particularly following a widely discussed 2019 Pew Research Center survey that suggested only about one-third of Catholics fully affirmed the Church's teaching on transubstantiation.

The Revival included nationwide events such as local Holy Hours, Eucharistic processions, catechesis, and the highlight moments: the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (with four routes spanning thousands of miles in 2024 and 2025) and the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July 2024, which drew over 60,000 participants. These efforts sought not only to deepen personal faith but also to inspire missionary outreach, encouraging Catholics to share the gift of the Eucharist with others.

In January 2026, the USCCB released the results of a comprehensive impact study titled "Share Your Perspective" (also available in Spanish as "Comparte tu perspectiva"). Conducted by the Catholic market research firm Vinea Research in collaboration with Revival organizers, this national survey assessed the initiative's effects through two phases: initial one-on-one interviews followed by an online questionnaire distributed in the summer and fall of 2025—one year after the major 2024 events.

The survey reached nearly 2,500 respondents, including lay Catholics (over 2,058, with many drawn from USCCB-provided lists and a general panel of monthly Mass attendees), clergy (249 priests and deacons), and other Church staff. Lay participants were categorized as:

- National participants (50%): Those who attended the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, Congress, or both.

- Local participants (24%): Those involved in parish-level Revival activities.

- Non-participants (26%): Those with little to no direct involvement.

Respondents were not informed of the survey's Revival-focused purpose to reduce bias, and comparisons were made to post-COVID 2021 baselines.

 Key Findings: Renewed Belief and Devotion to the Eucharist

One of the most encouraging outcomes was a notable rise in belief in the Real Presence. Among surveyed groups, conviction edged to 90% or higher:

- National participants reached 92% (up from 73% in 2021).

- Local participants hit 93% (up from 82%).

- The general segment rose to 90% (up from 78%).

This reflects a strengthened theological understanding and deeper personal encounter with Christ in the Sacrament.

Participation in Eucharistic adoration also surged, with national participants reporting a 17-point increase (60%, up from 43% in 2021), local participants at 64% (up from 49%), and the general group at 43% (up from 37%). Clergy highlighted Holy Hours, adoration events (53%), Eucharistic catechesis (41%), and local processions (39%) as the most fruitful parish-level activities. Those who personally attended national events rated the Pilgrimage and Congress much higher in impact (63-64%).

 Spiritual Fruits: Transformation and Missionary Zeal

The Eucharist, as the "source and summit" of Christian life, bore abundant spiritual fruit through the Revival. Participants reported holistic growth in faith practices:

- Increased frequency of Confession and greater reverence at Mass.

- More engagement in Scripture reading and spiritual practices (e.g., national participants rose to 83% from 66%).

- Significant boosts in community volunteering and outreach—national participants saw a 16-point rise (52%), local 17 points (64%), and general 13 points (40%).

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the National Eucharistic Congress, emphasized that attendees of the Pilgrimage or Congress were 50% more likely to engage in outreach, share their faith, or perform acts of service. He described this as achieving the core goal: "a missionary conversion of Catholics."

Clergy experienced renewal as well—49% felt more encouraged, with high leadership support (92% of bishops and pastors described as supportive). Many reported refocused pastoral approaches centered on the Eucharist, leading to renewed confidence in preaching about the Real Presence.

Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, called the impact "deep" and "lasting," stating, "Never in my tenure of working for the Church have I seen such deep impact... The fruits of the National Eucharistic Revival are real, lasting, and will continue to shape the life of the American Church for years to come."

These fruits demonstrate the Eucharist's transformative power: drawing people into deeper union with Christ, fostering personal holiness, strengthening community bonds, and propelling believers outward in evangelization. As one analysis noted, the initiative refocused the Church on the Eucharist, inspiring a grassroots response where the Holy Spirit "stirs up the hearts of his people."

While challenges remain—such as reaching less-engaged Catholics and sustaining momentum at the parish level—the survey confirms the Revival's success in igniting faith. A third Pilgrimage is planned for 2026, signaling ongoing commitment to this Eucharistic renewal.

 Sources

- OSV News: "Survey: National Eucharistic Revival rekindled faith and outreach, but challenges remain" (January 15, 2026) – https://www.osvnews.com/survey-national-eucharistic-revival-rekindled-faith-and-outreach-but-challenges-remain

- Catholic News Agency / EWTN: "Bishops say multimillion-dollar Eucharistic Revival bore spiritual fruit" (January 17, 2026) – https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/269145/bishops-say-multimillion-dollar-eucharistic-revival-bore-spiritual-fruit

- Nashville Catholic: "National Eucharistic Revival Survey Results" – https://www.nashvillecatholic.org/news/posts/survey-national-eucharistic-revival-rekindled-faith-and-outreach-challenges-remain

- CatholicVote.org: "USCCB report: The National Eucharistic Revival’s impact, 3 years later" (January 16, 2026) – https://catholicvote.org/usccb-report-the-national-eucharistic-revivals-impact-3-years-later

- Various diocesan and Catholic media outlets (Catholic Review, Detroit Catholic, The Leaven, The Dialog) reporting identical survey details from OSV News wire (January 15-16, 2026)

U.S. bishops say multimillion-dollar Eucharistic revival bore spiritual fruit

Survey: National Eucharistic Revival rekindled faith and outreach, but challenges remain - OSV News

Survey: National Eucharistic Revival rekindled faith and outreach, but challenges remain - Catholic Review

USCCB report: The National Eucharistic Revival’s impact, 3 years later - CatholicVote org