Pilgrimage Press Kit

Our National Emmaus Moment

The executive team for the National Eucharistic Revival is excited to invite Catholic communities across the country to be part of the historic movement to set hearts ablaze along four distinct routes that are part of a Eucharistic pilgrimage destined for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN.

Rooted in daily celebration of the Mass and modeled after the Gospel account of Jesus’ journey to Emmaus two millennia ago, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will kick off May 17–19, 2024, during the Feast of Pentecost. The routes, named for saintly significance corresponding to the geographical starting point, will pass through many major U.S. cities beginning in San Francisco, CA (Serra Route); Bemidji, MN (Marian Route); New Haven, CT (Seton Route); and Brownsville, TX (Juan Diego Route).

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Pilgrims walking along a road.

The Routes

Click on the starting locations on the map to learn more about the four routes, or visit our About page for a more in-depth overview of this historic journey.
Click on the boxes below to learn more about the four routes, or visit our About page for a more in-depth overview of this historic journey.

Map of the four National Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes
North

Marian Route

Starting Location: MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS, LAKE ITASCA, MN

Departing from the headwaters of the Mississippi, the northern arm of the Pilgrimage will descend through the midwestern United States, pass through Wisconsin and Illinois, and meet up with the other three pilgrimage routes at the Congress in Indianapolis.

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East

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route

Starting Location: New Haven, CT

The eastern arm of the Pilgrimage will begin near the Atlantic coast, journey through our nation’s oldest diocese, and cross the Appalachian Mountains.

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South

St. Juan Diego Route

Starting Location: Brownsville, TX

The southern arm of the Pilgrimage will depart from the tip of Texas, wind around the Gulf of Mexico, and pass through the southeastern region of the United States on its way to Indianapolis.

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West

St. Junipero Serra Route

Starting Location: San Francisco, CA

From our Pacific coast, the western arm of the Pilgrimage will cross the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. Named after the “Apostle of California,” this will be the longest and most challenging route—covering over 2,200 miles!

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Meet the Spokesperson

Will Peterson

Will Peterson

Founder & President of Modern Catholic Pilgrim

Will Peterson is the Founder and President of Modern Catholic Pilgrim, a non-profit organization established to deepen faith and build community across the U.S. through walked pilgrimage in the Catholic tradition. While an undergraduate college student, a pilgrimage to Rome for Pope Francis’ first Easter stirred the initial thoughts of a pilgrimage ministry as Peterson felt the immense power of a physical journey of faith shared with others. After years as a Catholic school teacher in TN, KY, and CA, Peterson established Modern Catholic Pilgrim and enjoys helping to bring Jesus both physically and spiritually to American Catholics. Modern Catholic Pilgrim is the pilgrimage partner of the National Eucharistic Revival, organizing and managing all four routes destined for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024 in Indianapolis.

Suggested Interview Questions:

  • Share a little bit about the origin story of Modern Catholic Pilgrim and how you are uniquely qualified to lead the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
  • Tell us about the four routes and how the starting locations were selected.
  • What does a typical day in the life of a Perpetual Pilgrim look like?
  • Are there any special highlights along each route that you can share with our audience?
  • How are people able to follow along with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage if they are unable to travel or don’t live near one of the routes?
  • Where can people go to learn more and discern their participation?

Media Requests

Contact Carrie Kline at media@eucharisticcongress.org for interview requests.
EMAIL CARRIE

Download ASsets

Click on the link below to access logos and route maps for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
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