A special journey that will bring the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist across the United States is set to begin on May 18, 2025.
The 3,340-mile National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a spiritual event aimed at uniting Catholics in prayer and devotion.
Starting in Indianapolis, the pilgrimage will travel through 10 U.S. states and conclude in Los Angeles on June 22, offering an opportunity for the public to join along the way.
Details of the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage, called the Drexel Route, kicks off with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis.
After the opening ceremony, the route will lead northwest through Illinois and Iowa before making a southwest turn toward Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The journey continues westward through New Mexico and Arizona, and finally reaches California.
The pilgrimage will culminate in a grand Mass, a Eucharistic procession, and a festival in Los Angeles.
The event provides a chance for the faithful to walk alongside the Eucharist and participate in various spiritual activities during the month-long journey.
Open Invitation for Participation
Similar to last year’s groundbreaking Eucharistic pilgrimages, a dedicated group of young adult “Perpetual Pilgrims” will accompany the Eucharist throughout the entire journey.
However, any Catholic who wishes to join the pilgrimage, even for just a part of the route, is invited to participate.
Sign-ups are open for free, allowing people to take part in this spiritual adventure.
Special Grace: Indulgence for Participants
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, who leads the U.S. bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival, shared at a recent press conference that those who take part in the pilgrimage will have the chance to receive an indulgence.
This grace, granted by the Church, helps to remit the temporal punishment for past sins that have already been forgiven.
The indulgence was granted by Pope Francis, and Bishop Cozzens expressed gratitude for this “very special grace.”
The indulgence decree, coming from the Apostolic Penitentiary, will be shared as soon as it’s available.
The Church granted a similar indulgence for last year’s pilgrimages, which saw nearly a quarter of a million participants.
Witnessing Christ’s Presence Through the Eucharist
The overarching goal of these pilgrimages is to bear public witness to the truth of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.
Organizers believe that such a journey brings people closer to God while also fostering a sense of unity among Catholics across the nation.
The journey aims to inspire faith and devotion, just as last year’s four simultaneous pilgrimages did.
These pilgrimages converged in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024, drawing thousands to witness this powerful spiritual moment.
This year’s event promises to be another remarkable opportunity for the faithful to deepen their connection with Christ and with one another through prayer, reflection, and communal experience.