Vendors from across the nation sell religious goods at Eucharistic Congress

Rodger and Greer Kenworthy started their company Abba Oil from their kitchen table in Houston. Fast forward 30 years, and they’re operating out of a 20,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom—and this week, from the Indiana Convention Center’s exhibition hall in Indianapolis.

The Kenworthys joined dozens of faith-focused entrepreneurs in the marketplace section at the National Eucharistic Congress—the first U.S.-wide gathering of Catholics in more than 80 years. The event is expected to draw as many as 60,000 visitors to the Indiana Convention Center from Wednesday through Sunday, attendees the Kenworthys and others are eager to turn into customers.

Abba Oil produces anointing oils, bath and spa products, and candles—all with a biblical connection. Rodger Kenworthy said the pair flew from Texas and paid to have all of their items shipped. That included a life-size Jesus figure, which they displayed alongside a fragrance inspired by the Holy Shroud.

Although the pair used to travel to similar—though much smaller—events regularly, Rodger Kenworthy said he’s seen a disappointing decline in such events, something he attributes to the internet. He said he hopes the National Eucharistic Congress brings about a revival in faith across the country. “Evil seems to be abounding,” he said.

Nearby in the exhibition hall, Barbara Statuto, a sales executive with F.C. Ziegler Co., was selling polished monstrances and vestments, which are robes worn by priests. Statuto said the nearly century-old company provided the monstrances for processions the National Eucharistic Congress is holding this week.

F.C. Ziegler’s products range from intricate golden pieces priced in the thousands of dollars to more approachable items, including Catholic calendars and Eurachrist accessories. The company has nine stores mostly located in southern states.

Statuto, who came to the conference from Tulsa, Oklahoma, said she was impressed with her first visit to Indianapolis and that sales had been steady as of Thursday afternoon.

Owen Kubik, owner of Kubik Fine Books Ltd., was closer to home. The Dayton, Ohio-based collector and seller of faith-based books said the gathering this week has provided a huge influx in sales.

“We’ve been absolutely buried,” he said.

Kubik’s products ranged from clearance-marked $5 books to rare finds sealed in a glass case.

In addition to the marketplace, the conference has included church services, speakers, presentations, religious sacraments and a display of artwork and historic pieces. In addition, live podcast recordings and activations are taking place along Georgia Street, which features an acoustic music stage.