On Saturday, Oct.17, at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, more than 800 young people and parish leaders from 28 parishes around the Diocese of Birmingham gathered to encounter our Lord more deeply in the Eucharist and to encounter one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The theme of the fourth annual diocesan Eucharistic Youth Congress was “Your Life is a Gift,” and this insight of faith oriented all the talks, prayers, and activities of the day.

Bishop Raica celebrated Mass for the teens, Mari Pablo was the keynote speaker, Patricia Sandoval shared her experience as a post-abortive mother, and Father Jonathan Howell concluded the day with an exhortation and special eucharistic procession.