By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, May 14, 2025 / 15:56 pm
Excitement is building as young men and women gear up for the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. At a recent press conference, participants shared their thoughts on the upcoming 3,300-mile journey set to begin in Indianapolis this Sunday.
The 36-day pilgrimage, expected to draw thousands of attendees eager to walk with and adore Christ in the Eucharist, is a response to the spiritual and cultural needs of our time, according to Leslie Reyes-Hernandez, a high school algebra teacher from Phoenix and one of the pilgrims.
Reyes-Hernandez expressed, “I believe this pilgrimage is an invitation to something the world is yearning for. The Eucharist is our foundation, and the pilgrimage is a visible manifestation of hope.”
She is among the eight young pilgrims who will demonstrate their faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist by accompanying it on the entire journey from Indianapolis to Los Angeles, passing through 10 states and participating in various special events.
During the pilgrimage, the group will be accompanied by rotating priest chaplains, and individuals interested in joining for sections of the route can do so at no cost.
Preparations for this unique walking pilgrimage have encompassed spiritual and practical aspects. The pilgrims expressed their hopes that this experience will profoundly impact their lives and empower them to share their faith with others. Weekly formation meetings have been held to prepare spiritually and foster team unity.
Rachel Levy, who serves Catholic young adults in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, shared her spiritual preparations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent prayer life, attending daily Mass, and spending time in adoration.
Welcome to the Journey: A Pilgrimage Experience
As the upcoming pilgrimage draws near, participants are eagerly preparing themselves for the challenges and blessings that lie ahead. One such participant, Levy, has been focusing on increasing her physical activity by taking more walks and investing in a good pair of walking shoes to ensure she is ready for the extended periods of time outdoors.
When asked about the impact of the Eucharist on her life, Levy shared a powerful moment of realization during adoration in front of the tabernacle. Despite feeling unworthy and ill-equipped for ministry due to past struggles, she experienced a profound sense of the Lord’s unwavering love for her. This moment of grace reminded her that God’s love remains constant, regardless of our shortcomings or sins.
Another participant, Johnathan “Johnny” Silvino Hernandez-Jose, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, shared his anticipation of the challenges that come with the pilgrimage experience. Drawing from his previous pilgrimage at World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal, he acknowledged the emotional and physical toll that constant walking and interaction can have. However, he emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and viewing the pilgrimage as a journey of faith and love.
For Stephen Fuhrmann, a soon-to-be graduate of Texas A&M University, the pilgrimage represents an opportunity to live life alongside Jesus and his fellow pilgrims. Inspired by the example of returning pilgrim Charlie McCullough, who will serve as the team leader for the 2025 journey, Fuhrmann is excited to embark on this spiritual adventure.
As the participants gear up for the pilgrimage, they are filled with a sense of anticipation and faith, ready to embrace the challenges and joys that await them on this transformative journey.
