Thousands of people participated in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Washington, D.C., as a public display of faith in Jesus Christ. The pilgrimage was one of four from around the country that will converge in Indianapolis, Indiana, in July for the National Eucharistic Congress. Pilgrims along the “Seton Route” began in Connecticut and traveled to Washington before continuing on their journey to Pennsylvania. More than 2,500 people registered in advance for a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception before the procession.
Volunteers helped ensure orderliness during the procession, which included praying the Rosary through loudspeakers. The Catholic Church believes in the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, making the consecrated host an object of devotion during the pilgrimage. Participants viewed the pilgrimage as an opportunity to share their faith with others and engage in Eucharistic adoration. The Catholic faith emphasizes prayer and penance, and pilgrimages allow participants to offer their discomfort as reparation for the sins of the world.
The Eucharistic pilgrimage in Washington included stops in the Brookland neighborhood, where attendees learned about Jesus Christ and engaged in Eucharistic adoration. Deacon Steve Nash described the experience as a way to bring Jesus to the world and prepare for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress. Participants expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to follow Jesus through the streets and share their faith with others. Several young adults committed to following the pilgrimage full-time from May to July, demonstrating their strong devotion to their faith.
The pilgrimage attracted both planned participants and unexpected attendees like Ethan Strohmetz, a student at Catholic University of America, who happened upon the procession by chance. Strohmetz described the experience as a positive start to his day, highlighting the surprise of witnessing such a large procession in the city. The National Eucharistic Congress is a significant event, with this year’s being the first since 1941. The pilgrimage and Congress serve as opportunities for Catholics to deepen their faith, come together in prayer, and honor the Eucharist as a central tenet of their beliefs.
