(OSV News) — On the historic grounds where Father Junipero Serra once established a mission church in 1776, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is set to commence its journey on May 18 at Mission Dolores in San Francisco. This event marks the beginning of the western route of the pilgrimage, named in honor of St. Junipero Serra himself.
On May 18-19, coinciding with Pentecost weekend, similar ceremonies will unfold at three additional starting points. Events will be held in Brownsville, Texas, New Haven, Connecticut, and Northern Minnesota, as four separate groups of pilgrims embark on an eight-week spiritual journey. The pilgrimage, featuring 23 “perpetual pilgrims,” their priest chaplains, and seven seminarians, will traverse the United States, often on foot, bearing the Eucharist in a monstrance for adoration and processions at daily stops to honor the true presence of Jesus. Details of these events and registration information for those interested in participating can be found at eucharisticpilgrimage.org.
The southern route, named for St. Juan Diego, originates in Brownsville, Texas, with a special Mass and dinner for young adults and the assigned perpetual pilgrims on May 18. The next day will witness Bishop Daniel E. Flores leading a significant procession through Brownsville that concludes with a special mass and adoration at San Pedro Church. The Juan Diego Route will then proceed along the Texas Gulf Coast and through several states, finally converging with other routes in Indianapolis on July 16.
Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne will inaugurate the eastern route, named after St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, by celebrating a Pentecost Vigil Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, followed by a Eucharistic procession and adoration. This route will navigate through New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions, concluding in western Indiana.
A regional Eucharistic congress in Bemidji, Minnesota, presages the northern route’s inception. The Marian Route will launch on May 19 with a significant outdoor Mass and a procession led by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, passing through states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
With Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone presiding over the Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, the western route kicks off after adoration at Mission Dolores on May 18. This event will include the debut of Frank La Rocca’s “Missa Pange Lingua” and a striking Eucharistic procession across the Golden Gate Bridge, paralleled by a spiritual journey through multiple states.
Archbishop Cordileone emphasized the essence of the pilgrimage as not merely for show but as a demonstration of faith. He conveyed to Angelus the significance of bringing faith out of the church and into the public domain.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a key component of the National Eucharistic Revival, a movement initiated by the U.S. bishops aimed at fostering a profound recognition and devotion to Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist.
Reported by Maria Wiering, senior writer for OSV News, with contributions from Pablo Kay, editor-in-chief of Angelus.
FAQ Section
What is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage?
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a spiritual journey that several groups of pilgrims will undertake across the United States. They will carry the Eucharist exposed in a monstrance for adoration and processions to honor the true presence of Jesus.
When does the pilgrimage start?
The pilgrimage starts on May 18-19, 2023, on Pentecost weekend.
Where are the launch points for the pilgrimage?
The launch points are in San Francisco, California; Brownsville, Texas; New Haven, Connecticut; and Northern Minnesota.
What is the significance of the pilgrimage’s routes being named after saints?
The routes are named after saints to honor their contributions to the Church and to draw inspiration from their lives. They include St. Junipero Serra, St. Juan Diego, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the Virgin Mary.
How can people participate in the pilgrimage?
Individuals interested in participating can visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org for more details and registration.
Conclusion
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a profound manifestation of faith that purports to ignite a Eucharistic revival across the nation. By traversing iconic sites on foot, holding Masses and processions, the pilgrims aim to deepen the public’s understanding and love of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. This event calls upon Catholics and believers across the United States to come together in prayer and celebration of their faith. As the pilgrimage journeys through the heart of America, it is expected to foster a collective spiritual awakening and to renew devotion in the hearts of the faithful.