Dear Friends,
We recently celebrated the Paschal Triduum, the liturgical highpoint of our year. On Holy Thursday we commemorated the institution of two sacraments: Holy Orders and the Holy Eucharist. On Holy Thursday we also prayerfully remembered our priests, without whom there would be no Eucharist. Priestly fraternity is celebrated during the morning Chrism Mass. Many churches remain open after the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday so that the faithful can spend time in quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, typically reposed at a side altar. A popular custom is to visit seven Churches on Holy Thursday night and pray before their repositories.
Journey is a theme of the Lenten and Easter seasons. On Ash Wednesday we heard Our Lord’s request to direct our life’s journey to Him. “Return to Me with your whole heart.” Life is a journey or, perhaps more accurately, a pilgrimage. A few days ago, we heard the Gospel account of two very despondent disciples traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus. When the dark days come, we are not alone in them. Along the way these disciples encountered the Risen Jesus who walked with them.
Jesus still walks with His followers and is present in the Blessed Sacrament, where He waits for life giving encounters with us so that our hearts burn like those of the Emmaus travelers. We are several weeks away from the largest Eucharistic pilgrimage in history, taking place from Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024, to the eve of the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, July 16, 2024. Pilgrims from across the United States will participate in this profound profession of faith and accompany our Eucharistic Lord, visiting numerous cities and shrines along the way.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage website lists the stops which pilgrims will make on their respective routes as they trek to Indianapolis. Complete information on these four routes can be found at https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/ EWTN, a partner with the National Eucharistic Revival, will provide up to date coverage of the pilgrimage as well as coverage of the Eucharistic Congress. There are still places available at the Congress which will feature many well-known speakers including Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Bishop Robert Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Montse Alvarado, Chris Stefanik, Katy Prejean McGrady and our own Sister Josephine Garrett, a licensed professional counselor, podcaster and author of the book Hope Stories, who will deliver a keynote address on hope and healing.
Enjoy a fruitful Easter Season! Enrich this experience by subscribing to the Heart of the Revival Newsletter with its uplifting articles, viewing The Pulse podcast and availing yourself of the numerous prayer and parish resources posted on the Revival website. May God’s abundant blessings be yours as we strive to deepen our relationship with our Eucharistic Lord. Spend time with Him! He is our journey and our destination! He is with us each step on the way!
Prayerfully in the Holy Family,
Sr. M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
