Catholic Pilgrimages Across the U.S. Revive Historic Tradition
A long-planned series of Catholic pilgrimages has kicked off across the United States this weekend, marking a revival of a historic tradition that had faded by the mid-20th century. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is set to culminate in a major gathering in Indianapolis in two months, focusing on Eucharistic rites and devotions.
The pilgrimage began with Masses and events in California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Texas. While some pilgrims are walking the entire routes, most participants are joining for smaller segments. The routes wind through country roads and city centers, with stops at parishes, shrines, and other sites along the way.
Led by priests holding a monstrance displaying the consecrated host, the pilgrimages are a testament to the Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Tim Glemkowski, CEO of the National Eucharistic Congress, emphasized the significance of walking with Jesus as a witness to faith, unity, and peace.
According to Glemkowski, the four lengthy pilgrimages are unprecedented in the history of the Catholic Church. Participants set out from various starting points, including the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, a cathedral in Brownsville, Texas, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
In New Haven, Connecticut, commemorations began with a Mass at St. Mary’s Church, the burial site of the founder of the Knights of Columbus organization. After an all-night vigil of prayer and adoration, pilgrims carried the host to another church and then to a boat for the next leg of the journey to Bridgeport.
The National Eucharistic Revival, funded by private donors, sponsors, and ticket sales, has a budget of $23 million, with $14 million allocated for the congress in Indianapolis. The revival aims to reignite mass devotion that was once common in past generations of Catholicism in the U.S. and beyond.
The idea for the pilgrimages emerged from discussions among U.S. bishops, reflecting concerns about Catholics’ understanding of the significance of the Eucharist. While the document released by the bishops did not directly address the issue of withholding Communion from politicians who support abortion rights, it called on Catholics to align with church teachings.
Timothy Kelly, a history professor, noted the decline of large-scale devotional activities in American Catholicism in the 20th century but expressed curiosity about the resonance of the Eucharistic pilgrimage within the broader Catholic community. The pilgrimage has garnered interest from Catholic media sympathetic to efforts to revive older traditions.
As the pilgrimages progress and the National Eucharistic Congress approaches, the focus remains on unity, peace, and devotion to Christ. The revival of this historic tradition serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and traditions within the Catholic Church.