Walking with Jesus Through our Diocese

It was a historical endeavor that no one could have imagined: to carry out four processions from the four corners of the United States that will come together at the first National Eucharistic Congress in 87 years in Indianapolis. Four pilgrimages, marking the U.S. with the shape of a cross, bring Jesus's real presence to tens of thousands of people along the way.

It was a unique idea that almost seemed impossible to put into practice: carry the Eucharist in a monstrance to historical landmarks, on extended processions and connect with many Catholics on the way to bring about a new understanding and devotion to this sacrament of the True Presence.

In our diocese, the Eucharistic Pilgrimage left a profound impact. It began with the arrival of the perpetual pilgrims in St. Gertrude in Kingsville on May 22, with stations in Robstown, Corpus Christi, and Refugio. The seven young people – college students or recent graduates –from the diocese of Brownsville, where the San Juan Diego Route started, demonstrated their unwavering dedication. Camille Anigbogu, a music director from Houston; Charlie McCullough, a recent Texas A&M graduate from Austin; Joshua Velasquez from Edinburgh, who studies Architecture and Theology at the University of Notre Dame; and MacKenzie Warrens, who is pursuing a PhD in atomic physics in Houston have lived in Texas before and knew about the scorching heat.

They were joined by Shayla Elm, originally from North Dakota and Issy Martin-Dye from Ohio, as well as Dylan Young, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., and Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The order committed to ensuring the accompaniment of priests and religious on every branch of the pilgrimage, taking turns – Father Ignatius Shin, CFR, Brother Boniface Mariae, Fr. John Anthony Boughton, CFR and Brother Agostino Emmanuel spent some days in our diocese, enkindling a new love and devotion for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

In many Holy Hours, Masses, processions and one extended procession, and encounter nights, they shared with us their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to follow the Lord, leaving a lasting impact on our diocese. 

Thank you for your witness!