(OSV News) — The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, celebrated on Corpus Christi, June 2, saw its northern Marian Route reach the Minnesota Diocese of Winsona-Rochester. Under the leadership of Bishop Robert E. Barron, who was pivotal in proposing the idea of a national Eucharistic revival five years earlier, hundreds joined the pilgrimage.
Bishop Barron led a procession from the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester to the Mayo Civic Center for a celebratory Mass. The feast specifically honors transubstantiation, the belief that bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus during the Mass.
“We’re celebrating the Lord’s presence among us in the Eucharist,” declared Bishop Barron in his post-Mass video, emphasizing the need to rekindle the Eucharistic fervor across the nation.
In 2019, Pew Research Center findings showed that just a third of Catholics adhered to the church’s teaching on the Eucharist, leading Bishop Barron to propose the National Eucharistic Revival. A more recent study by Georgetown University’s Center found now almost two-thirds of Catholics believe in the Real Presence, although only 17% attend Mass weekly.
Young adults journeying the entire pilgrimage across the US since May 18-19 have witnessed a warm reception throughout. Seminarian Blase Gebes shared during a June 5 media call the hope and enthusiasm they met with among witnesses of their journey.
Other routes had similar experiences. Seton Route chaplains were embraced in Philadelphia by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, who led a citywide Corpus Christi procession. In Harrisburg, perpetual pilgrims participated in public processions.
Dominic Carstens, one of the Seton pilgrims, expressed, “This pilgrimage is so radical and so crazy,” speaking to the importance of their mission as a testament to the Eucharist’s significance.
Meanwhile, the southern Juan Diego Route included a Eucharistic procession in Galveston and Houston, drawing large crowds despite the sweltering heat. Perpetual pilgrim Camille Anigbogu shared her joy in reconnecting with her roots in Houston during the pilgrimage.
The western Serra Route showcased the local cultures within the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation, with pilgrims integrating the Indigenous community’s ethos into their Christian journey.
As the pilgrims approached Wisconsin, they anticipated a ceremonial handoff of the Eucharist from Bishop Barron to Bishop Gerard W. Battersby, in preparation for a Mass and an extensive revival gathering known as “The Answer.”
Bishop Barron concluded with a Corpus Christi message on social media, urging prayers for the inspiring work of the National Eucharistic Congress.
OSV News’ senior writer Maria Wiering compiled this report with additional inputs from The Catholic Witness’ Jen Reed and James Ramos of the Texas Catholic Herald.
FAQs about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
- What is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage?
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a religious procession with a focus on the Eucharist. Four different routes were planned across the United States, leading up to the National Eucharistic Congress set to be held in Indianapolis. - Who initiated the idea for a Eucharistic revival?
Bishop Robert E. Barron proposed the idea for a national Eucharistic revival five years ago in reaction to a study showing a decline in the belief of the Eucharist among Catholics. - How many people are participating in the pilgrimage?
Hundreds of people have joined various routes of the pilgrimage. In some areas, such as Galveston, nearly 1,500 participants joined the Corpus Christi feast procession. - What does the pilgrimage aim to accomplish?
The pilgrimage aims to reignite the Catholic Church’s focus on the Eucharist, spread public witness of the faith, and encourage a deeper understanding and commitment to the church’s teachings on the Eucharist. - What are the names of the routes?
The four routes are named the Northern Marian Route, the Eastern Seton Route, the Southern Juan Diego Route, and the Western Serra Route.