CV NEWS FEED // The four routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage kicked off from every border of the United States on the weekend of Pentecost Sunday, beginning what some have called the greatest Eucharistic procession in America’s history.
According to a report from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, the Marian Route began on May 19 in Itasca State Park in Minnesota, which contains the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston, who is also the chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress, celebrated an opening outdoor Mass. He also blessed the Mississippi River and the roughly 2,000 pilgrims preparing to start the pilgrimage.
In the south, the St. Juan Diego Route was kickstarted on May 19 by Mass celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville by local Bishop Daniel Flores. While Bishop Cozzens spoke about Pentecost and revival, Bishop Flores reflected on the gift of the Eucharist in his homily.
To the east, the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route began on May 18 in New Haven, Connecticut, in the church where Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael McGivney is buried. Archbishop Christopher Coyne of Hartford celebrated an extended Pentecost Vigil Mass, which led into all-night Eucharistic adoration and the official start of the pilgrimage on May 19.
In San Francisco, the western St. Junipero Serra Route began with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, followed by a procession through San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge. According to the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage report, the opening of the Serra Route was attended by almost 4,000 pilgrims.