The Most Important Event of the Year

And it's not the election.

Last year’s massive Eucharistic Procession on the Eve of Pentecost in Times Square NYC.

I had no idea what to expect.

I'd covered Witness for Life events back in the day when I was the distraction to those praying—the good old days.

But I'd never seen, let alone been to, a Eucharistic Procession.

So, some years back, when the Frassati Fellowship announced they'd have one, I was the first one there.

It was a warm mid-summer day, with overcast skies but no expectation of rain. Participants gathered in the long-sincegone courtyard behind the Shrine of the Precious Blood on Mulberry Street. A tangle of cassocks and surplices against the backdrop of Mulberry Street echoed with clinking wine glasses and occasional laughter as diners enjoyed the lazy afternoon in Little Italy.

The monstrance was brought out through a side alley, and as the bearers made their way to the street, they raised and stretched the canopy by the four pole bearers meant to cover Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The canopy, in addition to basic things like protection from the elements, emphasizes Christ's sovereign kingship.

As they moved up Mulberry Street, it became clear that all eyes were on Christ.

Here’s a photograph of the first Eucharistic Procession that I’d ever been to.

Passerby turned to look, café goers sat in silence, and the voices of those in procession were raised in prayer.

It was electric.

And it was at that moment that I was struck with the power of this simple but infinitely profound expression of faith.

The public witness of those in procession.

Their prayers ascending to Heaven.

And sheer power and efficacy of Christ's silent, enduring Presence amidst the clamor of city life.

Since that pivotal experience, I've covered dozens of Eucharistic Processions, some big, some small, some in the city, some in the suburbs, but all with one irrefutable reality…

Bring Christ to the world, and souls, hearts and minds are moved.

The Eucharistic Procession that was part of the Archdiocese of New York’s Eucharistic Congress last Fall.

So, you might imagine how I feel about the four upcoming Eucharistic Pilgrimages, which will launch in mid-May this year.

Some background, in the event you aren't familiar…

The 10th National Eucharistic Congress, the first in 83 years, will take place from July 17 to 21 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the Eucharistic Revival initiative. You can read more about that HERE.

Leading up to that will be four Eucharistic' Pilgrimages', which are essentially Processions starting from each compass point in the nation.

-   Marian Route (North) – Starting at the Mississippi Headwaters, Lake Itasca, MN

-   St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route (East) - Starting in New Haven, CT

-  St. Juan Diego Route (South) – Starting in Brownsville, TX

-  St. Junipero Serra Route (West) – Starting in San Francisco, CA

The pilgrimages will carry Christ to over a thousand destinations, traveling a combined distance of 6,500 miles, with an estimated 100,000 participants traversing the nation.

Imagine this: The Eucharistic Pilgrimages will traverse iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Paul Bunyan Trail, the wheatfields of Nebraska, the Bayou in Louisiana, the streets of Manhattan, and the badlands of Texas. This is literally the Church bringing Christ to America. 

I'll leave it at this.

I've seen passersby drop to their knees, workers of every sort bless themselves in reverence, and the tears of those who are overjoyed to see Christ held aloft where they live and work.

This is Christ physically meeting people where they are.

We are about to experience an unprecedented moment in history.

And we can all be a part of this momentous event, regardless of our backgrounds or geographic location. Our collective prayers and witness can help bring about the hope and healing this great nation needs.

Because it's by His Grace, the Grace of the only Savior, that this nation can rise again and be healed of the wounds of division and brokenness that plague it.

And we can once again be truly One nation under God.

Hope to meet you out there at the most important event of the year.

Possibly the most important event of our lifetime.

In closing, my ambitious goal is to cover all four Eucharistic Pilgrimages extensively, bringing them to life for those who cannot be there in person. Through words and pictures, I hope to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of our readers.

However, I cannot do this alone.

This is a truly independent, reader-supported periodical. Your support is crucial; it enables me to capture and share these transformative experiences. 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.

And now a few more photographs of Eucharistic Processions…

Another from last year’s ‘surprise’ (Well, it was a surprise to me…) Pentecost Eve Eucharistic Procession.

Considering that there were countless thousands processing, it was very orderly.

One of many stops to pray with passerby.

Earlier in the year, Fr. Miara of the Shrine of the Holy Innocent’s led a very beautiful and traditional Eucharistic Procession beginning in the Garment District.

And while it wasn’t as large as the Pentecost Eve Eucharistic Procession, the procession sponsored by the Napa Institute that passed through Mid-Town was breathtaking.

This is what I mean about passerby dropping to their knees.

This Eucharistic Procession from St. Vincent Ferrer to St. Patrick’s Cathedral was predicted to be accompanied by torrential rain. The rain began as those processing entered St. Patrick’s at the very end.

50th Street as a Eucharistic Procession made it’s way cross-town.

And on the tiny island of St. Clement’s in Southern Maryland-the site of the very first Mass in the Colonies-the pilgrimage ‘The Journey’ for young people adored on the very ground that religious freedom was born.

Meanwhile, in Bryant Park

To put things in perspective, this guy knelt down in adoration in the bike lane…THAT’S and act of Faith and courage!

Grand Central. The departure point to all of America.

And also, Uptown and Downtown NYC.

Once again, the weather held at the Archdiocese of New York’s Eucharistic Congress…for the Procession—but otherwise, it rained.

And at America’s Parish Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cardinal Timothy Dolan processes carrying Christ with the faithful.

And in Greenwich Village, led by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph.

Adoration on Fifth Avenue at the threshold of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Epic.