The Eucharistic Revival Is a Catholic Pilgrimage Coming To a Town Near You

When it comes to our Catholic faith, no aspect is quite as unique and powerful as the Eucharist. While other Christian denominations believe that communion is merely symbolic, we believe it is the actual body and blood of Christ, which He offered to His disciples at the Last Supper.

In a hurting world that seems to get darker by the day, nothing can unite and strengthen us more than Jesus and His unending love for us.

That's where the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage comes in:

A pilgrimage is a dual journey, engaging both the feet and the soul, leading pilgrims to sacred sites that facilitate encounters with God. This practice, integral to Christianity since its inception, involves more than mere travel; it's an opportunity for profound spiritual renewal, drawing closer to Jesus by stepping outside oneself. The process transforms pilgrims internally as they seek God earnestly, often experiencing transformative moments akin to those encountered by many saints.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage exemplifies this deep spiritual tradition by merging the journey TO Jesus with the journey WITH Jesus, primarily through the act of walking with Him in Eucharistic processions. This initiative allows pilgrims to accompany the physical presence of Christ in the Eucharist across the United States, converging from all directions toward the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. It's a collective venture where the faithful not only move towards a physical location but also engage in a communal act of faith, publicly sharing the experience of Christ’s enduring presence in today’s world. 

This pilgrimage invites all Catholics to join in a historical movement of faith, prayer, and unity.

Will you answer the call?

Taking place May 17th through July 16th, 2024, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is billed as being our "National Emmaus Moment," beginning with 4 "Eucharistic Caravans" that span the United States.

Are you interested in participating in a caravan? Here is a peek at the four routes:

Marian Route

Beginning in the heart of Minnesota, the northern route of the Pilgrimage will travel through the heart of the Midwest, crossing Wisconsin and Illinois before joining the other routes at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Each day, participants will partake in Mass and engage in evenings filled with reflection and adoration. This pilgrimage fosters a deeper connection to Our Lord by involving pilgrims in community service, particularly reaching out to the marginalized to share the rejuvenating presence of Jesus Christ.

The route is aptly named the Marian route as it includes a visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, previously known as Our Lady of Good Help, which is recognized as the first and only Marian apparition site in the United States approved by the Church. This designation is particularly meaningful, reflecting the original Eucharistic Pilgrimage undertaken by the Blessed Virgin Mary, who carried the Body of Christ within her womb.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Route

Starting in New Haven, Connecticut, the eastern arm of the Pilgrimage, known as the Seton Route, initiates its journey near the Atlantic coast. It will traverse through America's oldest diocese and cross the Appalachian Mountains. Along the way, pilgrims will make several significant stops, visiting sacred sites, engaging daily in the sacraments, and actively proclaiming Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist as they proceed toward the 10th National Eucharistic Congress.

Named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American saint canonized by the Catholic Church, this route honors her transformation from Protestantism, captivated by the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. As a young mother, she founded the first free Catholic school for girls in America in 1810, establishing the cornerstone of today's parochial school system.

St. Juan Diego Route

Starting from Brownsville, Texas, the southern route of the Pilgrimage traverses around the Gulf of Mexico, an area rich in Catholic heritage, and moves through the southeastern United States, concluding in Indianapolis at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. Daily Mass and numerous opportunities for spiritual healing and encountering God’s mercy await those who journey with us. Join us to follow Christ on the streets, celebrating and proclaiming His love and mercy through the profound gift of the Holy Eucharist. 

The route honors St. Juan Diego, whose visions of Our Lady profoundly influenced North America's spiritual landscape. Known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist, St. Juan Diego made daily pre-dawn pilgrimages, walking 15 miles to attend Mass. Today, as we trace his footsteps, we invoke Our Lady's guidance in leading America to a more profound love for her Son in the Eucharist. Join us in this spiritual journey, asking for her intercession to renew our continent's devotion.

St. Junipero Serra Route

Starting from the Pacific coast, the western arm of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, known as the Junipero Serra Route, will traverse the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. This route, covering over 2,200 miles, is the most extended and most demanding pilgrimage segment. Pilgrims on this arduous journey will mimic the apostles' following of Christ, moving through Nevada’s deserts, Colorado’s mountains, and the expansive plains of the Midwest. 

Named in honor of St. Junipero Serra, the "Apostle of California," this pilgrimage route celebrates the missionary priest who devoted his life to serving indigenous populations and Spanish settlers along the West Coast. St. Junipero Serra, primarily by foot, covered about 24,000 miles in his ministry. As we embark on this journey, we seek his intercession and respond to the Holy Spirit's call for revival, following in the profound footsteps of a devoted servant of God.

If you are unable to participate in the caravan, don't worry, as you are invited to make your own eucharistic pilgrimage by exploring local holy places in your backyard and/or praying for the event and its pilgrims.

To learn much more about this incredible opportunity, please visit the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage's website.