National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
As pilgrims walk across the country in public procession with the Eucharist, a group of protesters has begun to follow, shouting irreverent remarks that mock the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated host.
Organizers of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage confirmed at a June 5 press conference that the protests, now estimated at 40 to 50 people, were not present during last year’s pilgrimage but have become a regular occurrence this year.
Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, described the protesters as “well-organized.” He noted that although they have remained nonviolent so far, pilgrimage officials are actively coordinating with dioceses and law enforcement to ensure everyone’s safety.
Shanks also issued a renewed call for Catholic participation, encouraging the faithful to join processions — either in person or in prayer — and witness peacefully to the Real Presence.
“I’m calling all Catholics to show up for Jesus,” he said. “We want to see our numbers increase as their numbers increase.”
He urged Catholics to respond with peaceful presence rather than debate, noting that the protesters appear intent on provoking confrontations for online engagement.
“We’re asking Catholics to come, but to evangelize through their silent witness in their walk,” he emphasized.
The principal organizers of the protests, Shanks confirmed, are believed to be affiliated with the Church of Wells, based in Wells, Texas. According to Shanks, the group has so far only appeared at public processions, not at private or closed events.
“We’re planning on them joining us all the way to LA,” he added, noting that law enforcement and diocesan teams are preparing accordingly.
This year’s cross-country pilgrimage began May 18 at St. John’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. It will conclude in Los Angeles on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 22. Eight young adult “perpetual pilgrims” are walking the full route, visiting dioceses, prisons, retirement homes, food banks, and parishes along the way.
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Some of the perpetual pilgrims accompanying the Eucharist across the country reflected on how the demonstrations have affected them. Arthur “Ace” Acuña described the experience as spiritually intense.
“It’s definitely been difficult,” he said. “That’s the honest answer. But as with any difficulty that Christ puts in our way, he can always redeem that.”
“Jesus [told] his disciples to pray for those who persecute you,” he later added. “We’ve really been conformed to the heart of Mary through all of this … all she did was follow, pray, and suffer silently.”
Shanks linked the opposition to long-standing controversies over Catholic teaching, saying, “Even going back to John chapter 6, we hear about quarrels happening related to the Bread of Life discourse.”
He emphasized that the heart of the pilgrimage remains unchanged: “As we walk, we are still focused on that Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.”
Perpetual pilgrim Johnny Hernandez emphasized that Catholics can support the pilgrims by joining them in prayer and adoration.
“Just come and adore the Lord,” he said, “just come smile with us, be joyful that the Lord is in front of us … That’s the way you can help us — also for them. Because we’re praying for them.”
“There’s no way better carrying the cross with a smile,” he added. “You’re just praising the Lord. You know this Lord, this is my cross that I had to carry for you.”
Leslie Reyes-Hernandez described the experience as a “reality check” in her walk with Christ.
“My heart really, really hurts whenever I hear … just deep hurtful things from others,” Reyes-Hernandez said, “but it hurts because it’s just an insight to how much hurt that person has in their heart.”
Reflecting on a particularly challenging stretch of the pilgrimage — the Kansas Camino, walking in rain and strong wind — she saw it as a moment of decision and discipleship.
“That’s the moment where Jesus is asking us to choose him,” she said. “Like, right now that it’s raining, will you still choose me? Right now that people are maybe not yelling the nicest things — will you still choose me?”
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