Blazing a Trail: Encountering Our Lord

For a whole month, our nation has been walking publicly with Our Lord so that others may encounter him personally, just as they did 2,000 years ago. This week marks the beginning of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s second month on the road with Jesus. As Our Eucharistic Lord journeys even further to meet us, take a look at where he will light the spark of revival next!

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Meeting Jesus on the Road

Marian Route

The northern route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will continue traveling through northeastern Wisconsin this week, passing through the Diocese of Green Bay and into the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Check out some of the upcoming event highlights and historical sites Jesus will visit along the way:

• The Diocese of Green Bay will gather for Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop David Ricken.
• Bishop Ricken will celebrate Sunday Mass and lead a Eucharistic procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion—the location of the first and only approved Marian apparition in the United States. This stop is a must-see highlight of the northern route, named the Marian Route, in honor of Our Lady of Champion and her apparition in Wisconsin.
• The Diocese of Green Bay and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will hold a Mass concelebrated by Bishop David Ricken and Archbishop Jerome Listecki before the Pilgrimage accompanies Our Eucharistic Lord into the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
• Participants in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will stamp their Eucharistic Pilgrimage passports and write down prayers and reflections, just as pilgrims do on the historic Camino de Santiago.
• The Pilgrimage will stop at Holy Hill for a Eucharistic procession through the outdoor Stations of the Cross and for Eucharistic adoration at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians, where many pilgrims come to pray for healing.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route

On the eastern route, Our Eucharistic Lord will continue to spark revival in the hearts and communities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh before crossing over into West Virginia this week. Take a look at where the Pilgrimage will accompany him:

• The Diocese of Pittsburgh will sing an Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary—a prayer and devotion beloved in the Byzantine Rite—sung by the Ukrainian Catholic Choir of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Parish.
• Bishop David Zubik will celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh.
• Participants from the Diocese of Pittsburgh will follow Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in a 15-mile procession from Midland to Beaver Falls, PA, and conclude with a cookout reception.
• The Diocese of Pittsburgh will hold a send-off dinner before the Pilgrimage carries Our Lord across state lines into the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia.

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St. Juan Diego Route

This week, the southern route enters Alabama, bringing Jesus to the Archdiocese of Mobile and the Diocese of Birmingham. Crowds of people have registered to participate in the large (arch)diocesan events they have planned to welcome him. Here are some of the highlights:

• On the Pilgrimage’s first day in Alabama, the Archdiocese of Mobile will host an Archdiocesan Day of Eucharistic Encounter and Service. Volunteers will attend Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Rodi at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and participate in a Eucharistic procession before being sent to service sites across the Archdiocese for the day.
• Bishop Steven Raica will celebrate a bilingual Sunday Mass in the Diocese of Birmingham.
• Over 300 participants registered for an Adoration Sodality Day of Recollection at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. The day will include the celebration of Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, talks, shrine tours, prayer, a Eucharistic procession, a healing service, and meals in the Castle of San Miguel.

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St. Junipero Serra Route

The Pilgrimage will weave between the Dioceses of Grand Island and Lincoln, carrying Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament across Nebraska toward the heart of the Midwest. The two dioceses will co-host several events along the way. Here are some moments to look forward to:

• Catholics in the Diocese of Lincoln will continue stamping their Eucharistic Pilgrimage Passport as they visit 17 designated locations across Nebraska. Participants are invited to share stories about their Eucharistic journey.
• The Pilgrimage will travel to bring Jesus to the annual Field Mass of the Nebraskaland Days festival, a tradition that has existed since 1965.
• Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt and Bishop James Conley will concelebrate Sunday Mass and lead a Eucharistic procession at McDaid Elementary School in North Platte.
• The Diocese of Grand Island will come together for a community potluck dinner at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Bishop Hanefeldt will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral before leading a Eucharistic procession across the Platte River, carrying Our Eucharistic Lord into the Diocese of Lincoln.

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Please continue to pray for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and all who will meet Jesus in the Eucharist in the second month of the Pilgrimage. Don’t forget to share your prayer intentions with the Perpetual Pilgrims here, and check the Pilgrim’s Digest every week for new updates on where Our Lord will go next and to hear stories of encounter and conversion on the road!

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Come Travel with Our Eucharistic Lord

Visit our interactive map to see when Jesus will be near you, and RSVP to walk alongside him as the apostles did 2,000 years ago!