By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Apr 10, 2025 / 17:30 pm
Exciting news about the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage has been revealed today. The pilgrimage will cover a 3,340-mile journey across 10 U.S. states, with Jesus in the Eucharist being carried by a group of young Catholics. The public is invited to join in walking and participating in special events along the way, starting on May 18.
The pilgrimage, known as the Drexel Route, will kick off with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis on May 18, then proceed through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally California, ending in Los Angeles on June 22 with a Mass, Eucharistic procession, and festival.
Similar to last year’s successful Eucharistic pilgrimages that culminated in the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, a select group of young adult “Perpetual Pilgrims” will accompany the Eucharist for the entire journey. Additionally, individuals can sign up to join for smaller portions of the route for free.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, leading the U.S. bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival, announced that participants in this year’s pilgrimage have the opportunity to receive an indulgence—a special grace granted by the Catholic Church to alleviate temporal punishment for forgiven sins through the merits of Jesus Christ.
Cozzens expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for granting this indulgence and mentioned that the official decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary will be shared soon. The goal of the pilgrimage is to publicly witness the truth of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
Welcome to a journey of faith and hope! Last year, a whopping 250,000 individuals participated in the four national pilgrimages, and this year promises to be even more extraordinary. The Drexel Route, a 36-day pilgrimage named after St. Katharine Drexel, will traverse through 10 states and 20 Catholic dioceses, offering a diverse array of Masses in different languages and liturgical styles.
From the traditional Latin Mass to Gospel choir, praise and worship, Vietnamese, and Spanish services, representing the rich tapestry of the Church’s rites, this pilgrimage is a celebration of unity in diversity. The theme of hope and healing resonates throughout the journey, with visits planned to prisons, nursing homes, and areas in need of hope.
Service projects and encounters with the less fortunate are also on the itinerary, including opportunities to serve the homeless, visit hospice facilities, and collaborate with Catholic Charities on meaningful projects. Special Masses and prayers will be offered at significant sites such as the Oklahoma City bombing memorial and areas impacted by wildfires, honoring the memory of holy men and women like Venerable Fulton Sheen and Blessed Stanley Rother.
One of the highlights of the pilgrimage is the stop at St. Monica’s Catholic Church and School in Kansas City, Missouri, a parish with a rich historical connection to St. Monica herself. This pilgrimage is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, offering participants a chance to connect with their faith, serve others, and experience the transformative power of hope and healing. Join us on this remarkable adventure of faith and love!
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