Catholics joined Monday evening in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a series of four routes across the U.S. and spanning a combined 6,500 miles.
The routes meet at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21. This is the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years. Pilgrimage organizers expect 100,000 persons nationwide to participate.
Starting from St. Mary Byzantine Church, Bishop Robert J. McClory led local pilgrims to Lakefront Park for prayer, benediction and a party in the park.
“What a beautiful way to show the world we love Jesus, and what a beautiful gift we have in the Eucharist,” McClory said. “Jesus is alive, and he has revealed himself to us in the great gift of the Eucharist.” People gathered outside St.
Mary for opening prayers before the pilgrimage to the lakefront. The Rev. Andrew Somerson, St.
Mary’s pastor, commented, “I love being a Byzantine Catholic. Being a Whiting Catholic, it’s in our DNA. It helps us live our vocation.
” Guest speaker Mike Aquilina, a Catholic writer and speaker from Pittsburgh, cited the history of the Eucharist dating back to the early Christians. “It’s no metaphor,” Aquilina said. “This is our salvation.
The Eucharist is the true presence of God in the world.” The Eucharist refers to the body and blood of Jesus Christ as received in the consecrated Communion host and wine. Catholics believe the Eucharist nourishes them spiritually and brings them closer t.