The Pilgrim Church and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

We are so blessed in the Diocese of Pittsburgh to have the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage passing within our territory and through some of our parishes from June 12 through the 19. We are on the Seton Route of the Procession, which begins in New Haven, Connecticut and converges in Indianapolis, Indiana for the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17 through 21.
           
What is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and what does it teach us? This Procession  is made up of four branches beginning in four different places in the United States. Each branch has a team of 13 young adult Catholics, among whom are priests, seminarians, religious, as well as laywomen and men, all accompanying the Blessed Sacrament to the National Eucharistic Congress.
           
We can think of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as the Ark of the Covenant passing in procession in the Old Testament (Num 4:15, Deut 31:9, Josh 6:1-27, 1 Chron 15:14-15, 1 Sam 4:4-5). Just as the Ark contained the very Presence of God and exerted great power, so, too, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament will be passing through our diocese in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and will be powerful in pouring out God’s graces and blessings on all who encounter Him.
           
We can also think of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as Our Lady’s visitation to her kinswoman Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56). Our Blessed Mother bears the title “Ark of the New Covenant” because she carries within her virginal womb the very Presence of God in her divine Son Jesus Christ. As she goes up into the hill country to the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah, she is the Immaculate Ark, not made of acacia wood and gold, but rather the sinless Virgin who carries the Most Holy One within her. She goes to the same hill country where King David had the Ark carried and before which he danced with joy. St. John the Baptist also danced in his own mother’s womb (Lk 1:44-45) in the Presence of the Holy One, Jesus, in Our Lady’s womb. When the Blessed Sacrament will be carried through our diocese in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, our parishes and roads will become “the hill country.”  Those who meet Him will leap with joy for God has come to visit His people!
           
Come and participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage passing through the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Please consult our diocesan website for the itinerary of the Pilgrimage in our parishes.  All are welcome to participate in the Masses, Holy Hours and precessions from June 12-19. Come and be part of this historic Eucharistic Pilgrimage in our great diocese. Exalt with joy in the Eucharistic Presence of Our Lord and Savior!