The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a major prelude to the National Eucharistic Congress.
It is a Catholic tradition where the Eucharist is carried through the streets, accompanied by the faithful. This historical pilgrimage consists of four different routes beginning on opposite sides of the country and meeting in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress July 17–21.
Collectively, the four National Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes will traverse 6,500 miles, 27 states and 65 dioceses while carrying Christ in the Eucharist. The Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese is part of the Northern Route, called the Marian Route, in honor of the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wis., the only approved apparition site of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the United States, according to a provided press release.
The pilgrimage began on June 2, the Feast of Corpus Christi. The Marian route started at the headwaters of the Mississippi. Eight young adults have accompanied Jesus in the Eucharist the entire way. On July 9, they will arrive at St. Francis Xavier in Pierceton about 9:45 a.m. for a short time of prayer and adoration. Then, with all of the faithful, some joining from Michigan and Ohio, they will process with Jesus in the Eucharist the 8 miles to Sacred Heart in Warsaw.
With police escort, the route will follow Pierceton Road, taking a short break at the old Racoon Run Pavilion, then continue on Pierceton Road to Miller Field Baseball Complex. From there they will follow the walking trail to Grace College campus and then proceed down Seventh Street to Chestnut Street. They then will be going through the roundabout at the intersection of Kings Highway and Argonne Road onto Winona Avenue and then to McKinley Street, crossing Center Street to Fort Wayne Street and ending at Sacred Heart around 2 p.m. for a time of Adoration with Benediction at 3:45 p.m.