National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Visit Diocese

Historic Pilgrimage Will Stop in Easton, New Bedford and Fall River

FALL RIVER — In a celebration of faith and the country’s milestone 250th anniversary, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will pursue a remarkable 2,200-mile journey from St. Augustine, Florida to Philadelphia, crossing through many of the original 13 colonies and concluding on the Fourth of July.  All are invited to take part as for two extraordinary days (June 29-30) the Diocese of Fall River welcomes the Pilgrimage in Easton, New Bedford and Fall River, with a series of special events including Mass, processions, adoration, and a nationwide call of renewal to our communities.

The National Eucharistic Congress has organized this National Eucharistic Pilgrimage with a theme of “One Nation Under God” as a nationwide call to renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist as the country observes a significant anniversary.

Named the Cabrini Route, after St. Frances Xavier Cabrini – the first American citizen to be canonized, this Pilgrimage will journey through most of the original 13 colonies with stops in 18 dioceses, highlighting significant locations in the nation’s Catholic and civic history. The Pilgrims began their trek on Memorial Day weekend in St. Augustine, Florida, and will travel up the East Coast through New England then back down to its conclusion in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July.

“I am so pleased to share that our Diocese will host a portion of this historic pilgrimage,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha. S.D.V., “This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to pray for our country and our Diocese, Now, more than ever, it is a good time for us to draw closer to the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

The pilgrimage is taking place in solidarity with the U. S. bishops’ call to consecrate America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the country celebrates its 250^th anniversary.

A small group of “perpetual pilgrims” from across the country will travel the entire pilgrimage route. These young adults will participate in daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, devotions, and encounters with local Catholic communities.

Pilgrimage Events in the Diocese of Fall River

On Monday June 29, Bishop da Cunha will celebrate an Opening Pilgrimage Mass at noon at the Father Peyton Center in North Easton. A Eucharistic Procession will follow, traveling from the Center to Immaculate Conception Church in that town, where Benediction will be offered. A shuttle bus will then take participants back to the Father Peyton Center where there will be a reception.

A Eucharistic Procession will take place in New Bedford beginning at Our Lady of the Assumption Church later that day at 6:15 p.m., stopping at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and concluding at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

An evening of Eucharistic Encounter will take place there including Mass, Adoration, and prayerful worship until 9 p.m.

On Tuesday, June 30, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will come to Fall River. Events begin with celebration of the 7 a.m. daily Mass in the Church of the Holy Name.

At 8:30 a.m. a Eucharistic Procession will leave from Holy Name Church travelling to Santo Christo Church and then continuing to St. Mary’s Cathedral for Adoration and Benediction.

Bishop da Cunha will celebrate the 12 noon Mass at the Cathedral to conclude the National Pilgrimage within the Diocese of Fall River. A light reception will follow the Mass outside behind the Cathedral (weather permitting). A shuttle bus will be available to return participating pilgrims to Holy Name Church.

“Our nation is on a pilgrimage,” said David Carvalho, Secretary for the New Evangelization in the Diocese. “This year our nation celebrates how far we have come in 250 years, while also recognizing the path we still have to walk. There is no better way to move forward in hope than to invite God into our ‘walk’ as a nation. The National Pilgrimage is a fantastic way to do that in a literal way.”

All are welcome to attend any of the days’ events or part of them as one’s schedule allows. For planning purposes, registration for the events is strongly encouraged. There is no cost to attend. A full schedule with details including parking options is provided on the diocesan website, fallriverdiocese.org, along with the registration link.

“Our hope is that Catholics will come together on this significant anniversary to give thanks for our country and to pray for our future,” said Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress. “We want all Catholics to be inspired with missionary zeal to bring revival through the light and love of Jesus Christ.”

You can learn more about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage at www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org