Quite possibly the largest pilgrimage ever undertaken in the United States is in full swing, with thousands gathering for prayer, worship, adoration, fellowship and formation.
Among those walking with our Eucharistic Lord are two Denver Catholic young adults, Shayla Elm and Jennifer Torres. The two local perpetual pilgrims are making their way across the United States on the Juan Diego (southern) and Marian (northern) routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, respectively.
“The goal of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is to walk with our Lord across the country and ignite a Eucharistic flame in the hearts of every person we meet,” Elm said. “We hope the Lord’s presence will be made known to our whole country.”
Echoing Elm, Torres shared that the goal of the pilgrimage is encounter. “As we walk through the roads and streets of many cities and towns, we as pilgrims desire to invite all to encounter Jesus in a new way,” she shared.
Indeed, encounter is not a foreign concept for Elm and Torres, who have worked with Christ in the City in Denver as a staff member and a missionary, respectively. The local nonprofit that serves the homeless in downtown Denver is known for its mission of building a culture of encounter among all they meet, a mission the young adults will undoubtedly bring on pilgrimage with them.
“The Eucharist is the center of my life and faith, and I feel called to share with others how he has changed my life,” Elm said of her call to evangelize the country as a perpetual pilgrim. “I was attracted to how radical this pilgrimage truly is and saw it as an ultimate way to bring others to know and love our Eucharistic Lord.”
“I am most excited to meet so many new people and watch them encounter our Lord,” Elm continued. “The amount of works he will do is almost unfathomable, and I am excited to have a front-row seat.”
“I am most excited to spend so much time with Jesus and see him through the eyes of my teammates and chaplains,” Torres said, reflecting on the journey ahead of her.
Though neither Denver Catholic young adult will make her way through Denver, the Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will pass through the Archdiocese of Denver with its own perpetual pilgrims from June 5 through June 12.
Various parishes, ministries and organizations in northern Colorado are gearing up to host events and welcome God’s people who seek to encounter him in the Most Holy Eucharist.
The culmination of the pilgrimage in the archdiocese will take place on Sunday, June 9, when Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila will celebrate the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver and lead the faithful in procession through downtown to Holy Ghost Parish.
After arriving at the parish known for its deep devotion to the Eucharist, especially through Eucharistic Adoration, participants will be invited to listen to talks in English from the Augustine Institute on the Holy Eucharist. At the same time, Bishop Jorge Rodríguez will offer Mass at Holy Ghost in Spanish.
Jesus is on the move, making his way through our country, states, cities, towns and communities. Our humble Lord, who deigned not only to become man for our sake but also to become food, humbles himself anew to pursue us, coming face-to-face with us in our backyards.
For Elm and Torres, walking with the Lord and spending a profound amount of time with him is an overwhelming privilege and gift.
“It is overwhelming to think of how much time we will be with him – with traveling, walking, celebrating the Mass and in silent Adoration,” Torres shared of the great gift that accompanying Jesus across the country will be.
Both pilgrims encouraged the Denver faithful to join the procession as it makes its way through the archdiocese and to pray for the pilgrims on this historic journey.
“I know the intercession of the greater Denver community will greatly increase our faith and hope in him,” Torres concluded. “I have received abundantly from this Archdiocese and desire to be a great steward to those I meet this summer.”