22-05-2025
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage reaches Burlington
The 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is crossing 10 states, over 30 thousand miles and even the Mississippi River.
Peoria Diocese Bishop Louis Tylka met with Davenport Diocese Bishop Dennis Walsh to pass the blessed sacrament. It's a tradition with a recent resurgence.
'There hasn't been a Eucharistic congress like this for many many years,' said Walsh. 'This is sort of a revival, the practice of having Eucharistic congresses and processions again. Pope Leo coincidentally has called for a more of a popular piety in the church and this is all part of it.'
The pilgrimage involves Catholics walking from church to church with the blessed sacrament, holding prayers and services at each one. They started in Burlington at St. Paul Catholic Church.
'People driving by will be curious as to what's happening, and start asking questions,' said Doris Champagne, a member of the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish. 'They'll read it in the papers and hear it on the radio and stuff and spark some curiosity into what it's all about.
Champagne believe events like this and the new American pope helps unify U.S. Catholics.
'Especially with Pope Leo XIV being elected,' said Champagne. 'American pope, I think we're going to see a resurgence of Catholics in America coming together.'
The pilgrimage will make its way to Davenport on Thursday night, where five churches will join in with services until noon Friday.
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