What is the "National Eucharistic Pilgrimage?"
The "National Eucharistic Pilgrimage" is one part of the ongoing three-year National Eucharistic Revival. Four distinct routes starting across the country make up this FIRST EVER National Eucharistic pilgrimage destined for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN in mid July, 2024. Rooted in daily celebration of the Mass and modeled after the Gospel account of Jesus’ journey to Emmaus two millennia ago, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will kick off May 17-19, 2024 during the Feast of Pentecost. The routes, named for saintly significance corresponding to the geographical starting point, will pass through many major U.S. cities beginning in San Francisco, CA (Serra Route); Bemidji, MN (Marian Route); New Haven, CT (Seton Route); and Brownsville, TX (Juan Diego Route).
Spanning a combined distance of 6,500 miles through cities, along highways, mountain ranges, and rural towns, each pilgrimage route will be accompanied by a consistent group of “perpetual pilgrims,” a priest chaplain, and a support vehicle for legs of the journey in which safety, terrain, and/or climate may present obstacles. The support vehicle will also allow pilgrims to get to their destinations according to schedule for areas in which the distance is too great to travel on foot.
Spanning a combined distance of 6,500 miles through cities, along highways, mountain ranges, and rural towns, each pilgrimage route will be accompanied by a consistent group of “perpetual pilgrims,” a priest chaplain, and a support vehicle for legs of the journey in which safety, terrain, and/or climate may present obstacles. The support vehicle will also allow pilgrims to get to their destinations according to schedule for areas in which the distance is too great to travel on foot.
How do we get to South Bend?
We will join the procession as it arrives in South Bend. Our group will travel together, leaving from St Ann parking lot, for fellowship in a comfortable chartered bus (56 passenger motorcoach equipped with reclining seats, arm rests, foot rests, climate control, VCR/DVD, TV monitors, PA system, luggage bays, overhead luggage racks, individual reading lamps, and a restroom. Some coaches also include 110-volt outlets, USB/MP3/Bluetooth inputs, and WiFi.)
How much walking will there be?
The Eucharistic Procession on SUN 7/7 is expected to be 1 mile around the Notre Dame campus. The Eucharistic Procession on FRI 7/5 is longer (estimated 2 miles), starting at a neighboring church (Saint Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635) to the Basilica on campus for Mass. The bus will be available for those who choose to not walk in the procession.
What should I bring?
~Wear great walking shoes for the Eucharistic Procession and tour.
~One meal is scheduled for each day: dinner on Friday and lunch on Sunday.
~Notre Dame is a "cashless" campus. Please bring credit or debit card for any additional purchases.
~Please bring snacks, water, umbrella(?) and any other supplies you need for you and your family to be comfortable on this long, hot summer pilgrimage!
Can I bring the kids?
Yes, please! Pilgrimage is one of the most accessible forms of prayer in our faith, regardless of age. Bring your children, along with friends and family, but no pets, please. Please carefully review the schedule and see if this is right for you and your family. Please note The University of Notre Dame is a large and beautiful campus. If the art museum is not for you, head over to see "Touchdown Jesus" instead!
What is the cost?
Through a generous grant, the cost of the charter bus is covered . Non-refundable registration cost is $25 which covers the catered meal. Cancellation fee of $50 applies if your replacement cannot be found.
Why is is scheduled on the July 4th weekend?
This is when the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, Marian Route will be closest to us! This means that in early July, we too can participate in this pilgrimage with just a short drive. Jesus and the pilgrims accompanying Him will arrive in South Bend, IN on Friday, July 5 through Sunday July 7. Please make plans for a road trip to visit Jesus during one of these days. Join us for fun and fellowship on a road trip to meet Jesus!
In the four routes of this HISTORIC JOURNEY of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage this summer, pilgrims will carry our Lord Jesus Christ in a specially designed monstrance, leaving on Pentecost weekend (mid-May) from California, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Texas to walk with Him over more than 6,500 miles through 27 states in anticipation of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis (mid-July).
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a major prelude to the National Eucharistic Congress, which expects to gather 80,000 Catholics July 17-21 in Indianapolis for worship, speakers and Eucharist-centered events. The pilgrimage and the congress are part of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative of the U.S. Catholic bishops that began in 2022 with the aim of deepening Catholics' love for the Eucharist.
This northern pilgrimage route (the Marian route) will descend from the headwaters of the Mississippi River through the mid-western United States, passing through Wisconsin and Illinois, then moving through Northern Indiana (just below the Michigan state line) before turning south to conclude in Indianapolis.
How can I prepare for a pilgrimage?
Please review this handy guide provided by the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Also DOWNLOAD this printable resource containing prayers, responses, music, and Eucharistic Stations that may be used in procession.
Also DOWNLOAD this printable resource containing prayers, responses, music, and Eucharistic Stations that may be used in procession.
Will there be shuttles or transportation on campus?
Stay tuned! We are working out bus parking and campus shuttles with the University. In the meantime, please plan on no campus transportation and a lot of walking. This is because typically the large buses are not allowed to drive through campus. Please contact us if this would prevent you from attending.
Can I attend for only part of the day?
Yes! Both pilgrimage days are long (nearly 12 hours each). Please feel free to drive separately (it's less than 2 hours away!) and join us. Let us know what we can do to help coordinate.