The National Eucharistic Congress is inviting young people between the ages of 19 and 29 to serve as Perpetual Pilgrims in a nationwide pilgrimage set to begin the weekend of Pentecost, May 18-19, 2024.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will culminate in Indianapolis at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress July 16, 2024.
Baptized and practicing Catholics interested in serving as Perpetual Pilgrims must be in good physical condition, capable of walking long distances and must agree to uphold the church’s teachings for the duration of the pilgrimage, according to an announcement from Modern Catholic Pilgrim.
Pilgrims will walk one of four routes — the Serra Route beginning in San Francisco, Calif.; the Marian Route beginning in Bemidji, Minn.; the Seton route beginning in New Haven, Conn.; and the Juan Diego route beginning in Brownsville, Texas.
Pilgrims traveling the Juan Diego Route are expected pass through the Archdiocese of Louisville in early July.
The pilgrimage’s schedule will include daily Mass, a major solemn procession on Sundays with Mass and smaller processions at parishes during the week, according to the announcement. Pilgrims will travel 10-15 miles daily.
“Biblical hospitality” will be offered by host families, parishes, religious orders, schools and retreat centers, the announcement said.
The application process is open through Nov. 28 at https://form.jotform.com/232046483054048. The selection process will include interviews and screenings, with the final selection taking place in January. To learn more about the pilgrimage, the routes and to view frequently asked questions, visit https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/.