Street Level V.3 - This Is What Renewal Looks Like

Stories of public witness, sacred vows, and hearts turning toward Christ.

When I started on Substack, my goal was straightforward: share the beauty and mission of the Catholic Faith through stories and images.

It began with a monthly newsletter called Street Level—focused on that sacred intersection where faith meets everyday life. I wanted to capture the Church not as an abstract concept, but as something living and breathing. In sacraments and ministries, in processions and acts of charity—faith alive and in love.

Since then, I've been telling these stories firsthand through Words and Pictures, one photo and one moment at a time.

Today, I'm bringing back Street Level in a new form—a roundup of stories I can't always cover personally, but that deserve to be seen, known, and shared.

So without further ado...

Eucharistic Procession to St. Patrick's Set for Pentecost Eve

It's not news...yet.

But it will be.

On Saturday, June 7—the eve of Pentecost—something extraordinary will unfold in the heart of Manhattan. A Eucharistic Procession will make its way from Times Square to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

This should sound familiar.

I covered this procession accidentally l in 2023 after photographing Priestly Ordinations at St. Patrick's. What I witnessed was arguably the largest Eucharistic Procession in New York City's history—thousands of faithful filling the streets in a slow-moving river of prayer and adoration, surrounded by honking taxis, curious tourists, and the usual pace of Gotham life.

This year, it happens again.

The 2025 procession begins in Times Square at 3:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, proceeding prayerfully crosstown to culminate at St. Patrick's Cathedral for a night vigil.

There's something breathtaking about seeing the Eucharist—Jesus Christ, fully present—lifted high amid Broadway lights and concrete canyons, surrounded by the unpredictable buzz of the city that never sleeps. But perhaps more breathtaking is what this represents: a growing spiritual revival across the United States.

If you're in the area, come.

If you're on the fence, come.

If you've never experienced anything like this, especially then, come.

Walk with Christ and countless thousands of His followers.

In the procession of a lifetime.

Meanwhile in the Midwest…

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Crosses the Heartland

The 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, named the St. Katharine Drexel Route, commenced on May 18 with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis. Eight young adult "Perpetual Pilgrims," accompanied by chaplains from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, are journeying with the Blessed Sacrament across 10 states, covering approximately 3,340 miles. Their mission is to foster Eucharistic revival through daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, processions, witness talks, and community fellowship.

The pilgrimage traverses 20 dioceses and four Eastern Catholic eparchies, with stops at significant sites such as the tomb of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen in Peoria, Illinois; the Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother in Oklahoma City; and several missions in Southern California. A notable highlight includes a visit to St. Michael Church near Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation. The journey will culminate on June 22, the Feast of Corpus Christi, with a grand procession around the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

I was fortunate to join them in Indianapolis and Illinois, and I will hopefully meet up with them in New Mexico. All I can say is that the Pilgrimage has all the hallmark passion, enthusiasm, and Spirit-led Joy as last year’s, but with one difference. This year, they ran into some protesters.

Learn more: National Catholic Register, National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

And in the Northeast…

New Hampshire's 33-Day Eucharistic Pilgrimage Engages Entire Diocese

On May 18, the Diocese of Manchester launched a 33-day Eucharistic Pilgrimage, aiming to bring the Blessed Sacrament to all 89 parishes and 26 Catholic schools across New Hampshire. The pilgrimage will culminate on June 19, the Feast of Corpus Christi, at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester. This initiative is part of the diocese's Jubilee Year of Hope celebrations.

Notably, New Hampshire is recognized as one of the least religious states in the U.S., with surveys indicating a significant portion of the population identifying as nonreligious. The pilgrimage's journey through this region is a visible sign of Hope and an emerging movement of Catholic revival that’s happening worldwide. The itinerary includes multiple Eucharistic processions—the longest spanning approximately 9 miles—along with Masses and prayer services, fostering community engagement and spiritual renewal.

Learn more: National Catholic Register, Diocese of Manchester, Saint Joseph Cathedral

And in California…

Camino de California: A Pilgrimage Through Mission History

Starting June 6, the Camino de California will take pilgrims on a journey across the state, visiting all 21 California Missions and 14 designated Jubilee sites. This independent initiative emphasizes daily Works of Mercy and aims to reconnect participants with the state's rich Catholic heritage. The pilgrimage will align with the Drexel Route near its conclusion.

Learn more: Eucharistic Pilgrimage

And even on Long Island…

Long Island's Twin Eucharistic Pilgrimages Begin

On May 31, the Diocese of Rockville Centre launched two nine-day Eucharistic Pilgrimages across Long Island, coinciding with the Feast of the Visitation. The Western Route commenced at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, while the Eastern Route began at the Parish of Saint Therese of Lisieux in Montauk. Both processions will journey through towns, schools, hospitals, and parishes, offering opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and catechesis. The pilgrimages will culminate at St. Anthony’s High School on June 8.

Learn more: Diocese of Rockville Center, St. Rose of Lima Church

And speaking of vocations…

A Vocational Resurgence in the Archdiocese of Hartford

The Archdiocese of Hartford is experiencing a notable revival, with a significant increase in men pursuing the priesthood. In 2024, five new seminarians joined—the highest in 20 years—and ten more are expected in the fall, marking the largest class in decades. Anthony Federico, the director of vocations, emphasized the Archdiocese’s vitality, highlighting 115 men currently discerning priesthood and 22 others training to become permanent deacons.

Learn more: CT Insider

Some breaking records…

Cleveland Diocese Sees Largest Ordination Class in a Decade

On May 17, the Diocese of Cleveland celebrated its largest priestly ordination class in more than ten years, as Bishop Edward Malesic ordained eight men at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Each of the newly ordained completed years of formation at Saint Mary Seminary, with most earning advanced degrees in theology and pastoral ministry. Their diverse backgrounds—some from large suburban parishes, others from small-town communities—reflect the Church's reach across every corner of the diocese.

The ordination comes as part of a national trend: the U.S. will see 405 priestly ordinations this year. A significant number of these men, including several in Cleveland, credited parish priests and laypeople for encouraging their vocations, underscoring the essential role of community witness and support.

"These men have chosen a life of joyful sacrifice," Bishop Malesic said during the liturgy. "And in doing so, they have given our diocese a reason to hope."

Learn more: The Diocese of Cleveland

And in the Vatican…

Pope Leo XIV Ordains 11 New Priests for the Diocese of Rome

On May 31, Pope Leo XIV ordained 11 men to the priesthood during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking his first ordinations as Bishop of Rome. The new priests, aged between 28 and 49, hail from the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary and the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, reflecting the diverse vocations within the diocese.

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized the need for priests to lead lives that are "transparent, visible, credible," urging them to be "guardians and servants" rather than seeking authority. He highlighted the importance of being close to the people they serve, stating, "We live among the people of God so that we may stand before them with a credible witness."

Learn more: Catholic News Agency, Vatican News

And in New York City…

Archdiocese of New York Ordains Four New Priests at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

On May 24, 2025, Cardinal Timothy Dolan ordained four men to the priesthood during a solemn Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. The newly ordained priests are: Rev. Michael Francis Coleman, Rev. Aaron Salvan, Rev. Rajesh Ravi, and Rev. Kevin Noyola.

The ordination Mass was attended by family, friends, clergy, and faithful from across the archdiocese. In his homily, Cardinal Dolan emphasized the sacred responsibilities of the priesthood and encouraged the ordinandi to serve with humility and dedication.

Each of the new priests completed their seminary formation at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York, and will receive their Parish assignments shortly.

Learn more: The Good Newsroom

And lastly…

Young Adults Leading a Religious Resurgence

But you already knew that…

Christianity is making a comeback in the U.S. and other Western countries, led by young people. Data from Pew shows that, for decades, each age group has been less Christian than the one before it. However, recent trends indicate that Gen Z is not that much less religious than their parents, signaling a potential plateau in the decline of religious affiliation. This shift is shaping the future of Gen Z, who are becoming drivers of the religion revival.

Learn more: Axios

Thanks for reading…

That’s all for this edition.

But if you were to sum up the running theme of these stories and the force behind them it would be this…

Hope.

The Hope that’s found in that relationship of relationships,

With the Author of the universe,

The one who thought that YOU that were a good idea,

And Who Loves you beyond your comprehension,

No wonder there’s so much Hope.

Wishing you every Grace and Peace in the week ahead.

Thanks for reading! This is a truly independent, reader-supported periodical. Your support is crucial. If you are able, please consider a paid subsciption or making a ‘Patron of the Arts’ donation of any amount. By doing so, you are not just supporting this effort; you’re a vital part of this mission.

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