Photos: The Blessing of a Nation - America at 250

As America approaches its 250th birthday, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage carried Christ to the heart of the nation's capital—and a prayer for all she might yet become.

The sun was setting too fast.

As my fellow journalists and I stood beneath the Washington Monument, we watched the last golden light slip toward the horizon beyond the Capitol.

The prospect of a perfect photograph disappearing with it.

But the thought was fleeting.

Because light or no light, photograph or no photograph, something historic was about to occur.

Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament was arriving at the sprawling expanse of the National Mall.

And at the center of it all, beneath a canopy and carried with reverence through the heart of the nation’s capital, came Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

At the foot of the Washington Monument.

There, surrounded by a small group of pilgrims, a priest raised the tiny Host containing all the Power in the Universe.

Jesus Christ Himself.

Before one of the most recognizable monuments in America, He blessed a nation that, despite its challenges, still possesses a greatness beyond imagination if only it turns its heart toward Him, from whom all greatness flows.

The Source of every grace.

The Author of every hope.

As the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage winds its way through the cities, towns, and neighborhoods of the East Coast...

As Christ continues to bless these lands...

Her people.

Her future.

Her soul.

Perhaps His Grace would fill her heart.

That this land of promise...

Of freedom...

Of possibility...

Would become ever more fully what God created her to be.

That she would cast aside the things that hold her back.

That she would shine brightly as a beacon of hope in a world so often searching for light.

And that, guided by His Mercy and sustained by His Grace, she would rise to heights unseen.

As truly One Nation Under God.

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You have my heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support, and please keep me in your prayers, and know of mine for each of you. God Bless, Jeff