That would have been enough to fill our hearts, but it was just the warmup.
The day unfolded with thousands traversing the borough to join a daylong celebration of the diocese’s Eucharistic Revival.
I could speak volumes about the day, but there was one moment — a moment that shook me to the core.
It was during the Eucharistic procession, a winding path around the stadium’s exterior, mostly out of sight — until the point of entrance.
As Brennan, carrying Christ, became visible to the gathered crowd, applause erupted — not just any applause, but one of overwhelming joy.
It was the kind of spontaneous outpouring that occurs when words fall short and emotions soar.
They were applauding for Christ.
The sound wrapped around the stadium, penetrating hearts and souls, as evidenced by the smiling, tear-streaked faces turning toward him.
I’ll leave it at this: Something breathtaking happened in Queens that Saturday.
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And in mid-July, that same breathtaking event will unfold at the heart of the United States.
In three weeks, the Catholic faithful will kick off four historic and unprecedented pilgrimages, each originating from one of the four compass points of our great land.
Together, they will travel more than 6,500 miles with more than 100,000 participants converging on the 10th Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21 — the first congress in 83 years.