The 2026 Eucharistic Pilgrimage is underway. It began on the Solemnity of Pentecost when a new contingent of perpetual pilgrims and others gathered at Our Lady of Le Leche Shrine, near St. Augustine, Florida, the site of the first Mass celebrated in the United States, to begin a 54-day journey along the eastern seaboard through many of our original 13 colonies. The journey celebrates our Eucharistic Lord while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States. The pilgrimage will commence in Philadelphia with all-day Eucharistic Adoration on July 4 and a closing liturgy on July 5 at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul followed by a Eucharistic procession to the National Shrine of Saint John Neuman.
The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is One Nation Under God. These words are familiar. Many would recognize them from the Pledge of Allegiance. However, these were not included in the original version of the pledge. Due to the efforts of the Knights of Columbus, they were added by President Eisenhower on June 14, 1954.
The pilgrims will visit many shrines and churches along their route. Even if you cannot partake of the pilgrimage, you can read the Pilgrim Digest. The digest is a daily blog that provides a recap of the day’s itinerary, witness testimony, and powerful reflections. You can access it at eucharisticpilgrimage.org
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country, we know that our nation is in need of prayer. A massive, national prayer campaign, 250,000 Holy Hours, has been organized by the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage organization. The campaign is an opportunity for Catholics to pledge hours of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration for the intentions of national peace, healing, and spiritual renewal. Participants can commit or pledge a specific number of hours on the Eucharistic Pilgrimage website.
Finally, on June 1, the lecture series, One Nation Under God: A National Lecture Series, debuted on the Eucharistic Pilgrimage website. The project is a collaboration among the University of America, Franciscan University, Benedictine College, and the University of Dallas.
Numerous opportunities abound to increase our faith life while celebrating this historic moment for our country. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Nothing is more beautiful than to know Christ and make Him known to others.”
God Bless America!
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us!
Sister M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
