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the
in
Trenton faithful celebrate joyful arrival of NEC’s Seton Route pilgrims
BY ANGELICA CHICAIZA
Correspondent and STAFF REPORTS
When those carrying Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage first arrived in the Diocese May 28, they were welcomed with a joyful, vibrant Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
The vast nave of the Diocese’s Mother Church was filled to near capacity with an estimated 1,000 congregants for the Spanish-language Mass presided over by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and concelebrated by more than a dozen local and visiting priests. Hundreds more of the faithful watched the livestream of the Mass on the Diocese’s digital platforms, available with English translation.
The Daughters of God candlebearers from the St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral follow the Blessed Sacrament in an evening Eucharistic procession around the block.
All those gathered had fixed their focus on the arrival of the perpetual pilgrims who were traveling the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which began May 18 from Hartford, Conn. Part of the larger
Father Roger Landry, chaplain of the Seton Route of the Eucharistic Pilgrimage, brings the Blessed Sacrament to the steps of the Cathedral to Bishop O’Connell.
Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general, gives remarks to
faithful gathered
St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park, before the Blessed Sacrament continues its pilgrimage to the Trenton Diocese. Mark Lee photo
On the steps of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Bishop O’Connell receives the monstrance housing the Blessed Sacrament from the Metuchen Diocese May 28.
At left is Msgr. Joseph L. Roldan, Cathedral rector. Mike Ehrmann photos
revival initiative, the NEP involves multiple routes traversing the country, engaging local communities in prayer and devotion as it heads to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-24.
Just outside the Cathedral doors before the Mass, Bishop O’Connell greeted the pilgrims and joyfully held the Seton Route monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Worshipers kneel in the Cathedral May 28 for Eucharistic Adoration and sung praise following the outdoor procession.
The Cathedral Mass was the first of four events in the Diocese of Trenton in which Jesus in the Eucharist was discussed and celebrated. Like the events that were to stretch over the next three days, the Cathedral gathering concluded with a Eucharistic procession that saw the faithful, carrying candles, flow out into the streets of the state capital just as twilight fell.
Earlier in the day, the Seton Route pilgrims had visited the Metuchen Diocese including St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park, where Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, the Diocese of Trenton’s vicar general, and Father Martin O’Reilly, diocesan Eucharistic Pilgrimage co-chair and pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, visited and greeted the pilgrims before heading to Trenton.
In addition to New Jersey, the Seton Route will have stopped in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia and Ohio – a trek of 1,500 miles, many on foot –before it reaches Indianapolis. The Seton Route pilgrims who visited Trenton include five young adults accompanied by Father Roger Landry, who was one of those who suggested the pilgrimage and who carried the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance along the route.
PURPOSE OF PILGRIMAGE
Msgr. Joseph Roldan, Cathedral rector and principal celebrant, said during his homily, “A recent study stated that 70% of Catholics do not believe in the True Presence of the Eucharist.
“Well, where are they? They are not here, because all of you have decided to participate today because you believe.”
Msgr. Roldan stressed the importance
of faith in the Eucharist as more than a symbol.
Dominic Carstens, a perpetual pilgrim from St. Philip Parish, Rolling Ground, Wis., said he believes it was God’s will that he join the pilgrimage: “I didn’t know what I was doing right after college and so I just cast my net onto the waters to see what sort of fish the Lord brought in.”
A lifelong Catholic, Carstens seeks to deepen his faith and show others the presence of Jesus. “An encounter with Christ ... That’s why we’re here. See what I mean?” he asked, pointing to the people walking in procession after the Mass. “Wow! Jesus is here. He is here, physically present among us.”
TEACHABLE MOMENTS
Before the Mass, speakers addressed different groups on various aspects of the Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the True Presence of Christ.
Belem Perez, administrative assistant in the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life, and Amanda Kleinmann began their session for teens with a song about trusting God. Perez emphasized, “The Church recognizes Jesus in the Eucharist, and this celebration is an historical moment for all of us.”
Speaking to children, Father Jorge Bedoya, pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, asked, “How do you know that this bread that looks like a big cookie is Jesus?”
He explained the importance of Mass, where the bread and wine become Christ’s Body and Blood during the Consecration.
In another presentation, Oratorian Father Kevin Kelly, administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Raritan, (Diocese of Metuchen) addressed men on understanding Scripture, highlighting Jesus’ words: “This is my Body.”
Diana Hernandez, a missionary from Bonds of Marian Love with St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Hightstown, addressed women, encouraging them to seek Jesus’ healing instead of relying solely on themselves. She said, “Jesus wants to heal you. He can deal with anything and everything, but we have to give him
the
in
during
During Seton Route Mass, Bishop
reminds faithful that ‘We are on a pilgrimage of our lives’
participate in
Seton Route pilgrim Dominic Carstens addresses the students from St. Mary Academy and other area schools who visited the Manahawkin church for the May 29 Eucharistic Revival Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell. Mike
Students of St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, pray during the Mass that Bishop O’Connell celebrated for young people the morning of May 29.
Pilgrims
the candlelight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament following the evening Mass Bishop O’Connell celebrated in St. Mary of the Pines Church.
Bishop O’Connell incenses
altar
St. Mary of the Pines Church
the start of the second Mass he celebrated for the diocesan Eucharistic Revival.
Ehrmann photos
BY MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor,
and
EMMALEE ITALA
Contributing
Editor
Sandra Koenig had just started to explain why she wanted to participate in the Eucharistic Revival when her cell phone alarm sounded.
“That’s why,” Koenig said, showing the reminder message that said “Adoration.”
After attending the May 29 evening Mass in St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, Koenig was heading to the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in St. Mary Church, Barnegat, where each Wednesday she spends an hour praying before the Blessed Sacrament.
“I love and believe that Jesus is in the Eucharist,” she said. Having been raised a Protestant, that belief was something that evolved over time and was her motivation for entering the Catholic Church in 2017.
“The Catholic Church is the only
Church that has Jesus in the Eucharist,” she said, firmly adding, “The Eucharist is not a memorial or a representation of Christ; the Eucharist is Christ.”
The second day of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Seton Route visit in the Diocese of Trenton was held in the Manahawkin church where Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated two Masses – a children’s Mass in the morning with students mostly from St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, and groups from St. Joseph School and Donovan Catholic High School, both Toms River; St. Dominic School, Brick, and St. Catharine School, Spring Lake. The Mass in the evening was open to the community. The perpetual pilgrims who carried the monstrance throughout the northeast route had left Connecticut May 18 and will continue on to Indianapolis for the national congress that would happen July 17-21.
REACHING THE YOUNG PEOPLE
For the school Mass, the day began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
and accompanying praise and worship in the parish center, as well as a talk and Eucharistic procession to the church.
Filling the worship space, students listened to the Bishop speak about a soonto-be canonized saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis, who not only was a modern day youthful role model for them, but also had a remarkable love for the Eucharist.
Despite his being very much like other children his age, loving sports and video games, he continued, Carlo also stood up to bullies, went to daily Mass and weekly Confession, prayed the Rosary, gave his money to the poor and volunteered.
“‘To be always close to Jesus, that is my life plan’ was his motto. … Carlo Acutis made a real difference in so many people’s lives because of his faith and love for Jesus in the Eucharist. He never hesitated, even at his young age, to share that faith and love with others, especially young people,” Bishop O’Connell said. With his computer skills, [he] spent the last two years of his life creating a website that listed every Eucharistic miracle in the history of the Church. It is still used and touring around New Jersey and the U.S.”
Although he died of leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006, his example has lived on as an inspiration to others wanting to grow closer to Jesus, Bishop O’Connell pointed out.
“I have told you about him in the hope that his example, his life, his love will inspire you to grow in your love and devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and to never give up the opportunity when you have it to visit our Lord in the Eucharist,” he said. “During this day as we spend time here at Mass and in the presence of our Lord Jesus and in our conversations together, may Blessed Carlo Acutis help us to stay close to our Lord, to pray each day, to lead others to Jesus and to do good works for those in need, just as he did.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
For the evening Mass, Bishop O’Connell was joined at the altar by priests of the Diocese as well as visiting priests, many of whom were participating in the pilgrimage. After Mass a Eucharistic
The Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession May 29 from St. Mary Parish Center to St. Mary of the Pines Church where Bishop O’Connell was going to celebrate Mass for young people.
Diocese treasures ‘gift and grace’ of His Presence during emotional final leg of pilgrimage
BY ROSE O’CONNOR Digital, Social Media Manager
Pilgrims traveling along the Seton Route made their final stop in the Diocese of Trenton, and joined the faithful in St. Mary Church, Bordentown, May 30. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated Mass, accompanied by Father Martin O’Reilly, pastor and diocesan Eucharistic Revival co-chair, along with priests from neighboring parishes and those traveling with the perpetual pilgrims.
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell reflected on the nationwide movement designed to bring all to Christ through the Eucharist.
“The Eucharistic Revival has been here and will continue to be for the Church in our country a time of encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ who desires to be so intimately united to us that he has given us his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity from the time of that first Holy Thursday until this very moment.”
He also shared his prayers regarding the outcome of the Revival.
“What do we hope and pray will be
Bishop O’Connell speaks of the impact of the Eucharistic Revival during his homily in St. Mary Church, Bordentown, May 30. Mike Ehrmann photos
Students from the neighboring St. Raphael School, Hamilton, participate in the historic Mass, procession and the crossing of the bridge to Pennsylvania.
Following Mass, Bishop O’Connell leads the Seton Route pilgrims to Hilltop Park, Bordentown, for Benediction.
the fruit of this Eucharistic Revival and pilgrimage? What do you want him to do for you, for us, for our Diocese, for our Church? Reinvigorated worship in active, devout attendance at Mass, time spent in Eucharistic Adoration, growing in our understanding of the Eucharist and sharing that understanding with others by inviting them to join with us in our Eucharistic journey of faith.”
REVERENT SEND-OFF
Following the Mass, the faithful accompanied Bishop O’Connell who carried Jesus in the monstrance to Hillside Park in Bordentown, where pilgrims and surrounding neighbors came together for prayer and Benediction.
Representatives of the Diocese then joined the Seton Route pilgrims as they traveled north to Trenton. There, they processed over the Lower Trenton Bridge where Bishop O’Connell delivered the Blessed Sacrament to Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
After three days in the Trenton Diocese, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage moved into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Here, Bishop O’Connell presents the monstrance used by the Seton pilgrims to Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre.
The Seton Route pilgrimage will now continue on, with visits in multiple Pennsylvania dioceses and the Archdioceses of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., before heading west until they reach Indianapolis for the Eucharistic Congress July 17-21.
MOVING MEMORIES
On the return walk to their cars, those who had just witnessed the special moment couldn’t help but feel a multitude of emotions.
“I was sad to see Jesus leave. But you know he is going to someone who needs him, and you take comfort in that. I know I’ll never be able to look at the bridge or drive over this bridge and not remember the time I walked here with
Jesus,” said Donna Frappolli, member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish. Her husband Joe shared, “It was an emotional experience – the whole day –you knew Jesus was present. We are just so blessed to be a part of this.”
Fellow parishioner Virginia Olsen said, “I’m speechless. Wow –it was an emotional day. You really felt His Presence here with us. I know that Jesus walked with me today.”
David Epstein from IncarnationSt. James Parish, Ewing, shared similar thoughts.
“I was sad when the pilgrimage continued without us. I was surprised to see that I was crying. But I know Jesus will continue to walk with me during everyday life.”
While some were able to share their thoughts and feelings on what they experienced by taking part in the Eucharistic Pilgrimage and in other aspects of the Eucharistic Revival, Father O’Reilly suspects the graces of this event haven’t been fully revealed just yet to all.
“The personal impact has been really great,” he said. “And it hasn’t been really fully processed either. I know for me it was so moving just to walk across the bridge and recognize and realize that Christ is walking with us. For me I feel that it will probably be in the weeks and months ahead that I’ll really truly appreciate all that has happened.”
To view more photos of the Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit TrentonMonitor.com>Photo Galleries
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Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre processes with the Seton Route monstrance. The pilgrims remained in Pennsylvania until June 3.
Torres, one of the “perpetual pilgrims” on the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage,
Minn. OSV News
BY OSV NEWS
TORRES: ‘PERPETUAL PILGRIMS’ ARE TO BE ‘A LIGHT TO THOSE WE ENCOUNTER’
LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. Jennifer Torres said she and the other “perpetual pilgrims” taking part in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage are “are ambassadors of the Eucharist who are also called to share our testimony and be a light to those we encounter.”
“During the pilgrimage, there are moments where we are asked to minister to, lead and guide the people we encounter,” she told The Central Minnesota Catholic, magazine of the St. Cloud Diocese, in an interview May 23 at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Long Prairie. Torres began her pilgrimage on the Marian Route, which began May 17 in Bemidji, Minnesota, at the Star of the North Conference and will end in Indianapolis at the National Eucharistic Congress. Besides the Marian Route, three other National Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes launched in other parts of the country are in full swing. The four routes will converge on Indianapolis July 16 for the National Eucharistic Congress, July 1721. “It’s been such a joy,” Torres said. “There is such warmth within all those we are meeting – youth, young adults, grandparents. All the pilgrims have been struck by the hunger for the Lord, and I am grateful to witness this.”
SEMINARIANS DISCERN A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS TRAVELING THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE
WALKER, Minn. Seven seminarians are traveling the four routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which began in California, Connecticut, Minnesota and Texas
May 18-19, to converge in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21. On the northern Marian Route are Mason Bailey of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, in formation at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana, and Blase Gebes of the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota, in formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota. On the southern St. Juan Diego Route are Noah U’Ren of the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota, who is at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Dylan Young from the Archdiocese of Washington, who is at its St. John Paul II Seminary. On the eastern St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route is Christoph Bernas, who is in formation for the Diocese of Pittsburgh at its St. Paul Seminary, while also studying at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. The western St. Junipero Serra Route includes two seminarians for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in formation at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University at Menlo Park, California: Dereck Delgado and Jimmy Velasco. Having seminarians join the other young adult “perpetual pilgrims” and their priest and religious brother chaplains on each route provides the young men “a unique formational opportunity” that allows them “to also be a witness to other young men
OSV News photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit
Jennifer
smiles as she poses for a photo May 31 in the Diocese of St. Cloud,
photo/Amber Walling, The Central Minnesota Catholic
Ruby Vasquez of Minneapolis tosses flower petals along the Source and Summit Eucharistic Procession in St. Paul, Minn., May 27. The procession drew an estimated 7,000 participants.
who may be discerning a vocation to the priesthood,” said Joel Stepanek, National Eucharistic Congress chief operating officer.
STORIES OF CONVERSION, ‘AMAZING’ ENCOUNTERS MARK EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE’S FIRST 10 DAYS
VICTORIA, Texas The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s perpetual pilgrims’ second week included already iconic events – such as when Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York blessed the city with the Eucharist from a boat near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor May 27 – and hidden moments – like when a man got out of a truck in the middle of Oregon, far away from any towns, and genuflected as the Eucharistic caravan passed. On a May 29 media call, the pilgrims shared other stories of encounter and conversion: On the California side of Lake Tahoe, a photographer for a secular news outlet – amazed by the masses of people turning out for processions – told the perpetual pilgrims that he was inspired to learn more about the Eucharist and plans to begin the process for becoming Catholic. Meanwhile, a woman who isn’t able to walk with the pilgrims has been joining each procession along the St. Juan Diego Route since Brownsville, Texas, on a retrofitted tricycle. Also in Texas, some perpetual pilgrims helped bandage
a woman’s wounded leg at a homeless shelter, and then the woman – whose name is Hope – asked the pilgrims to pray with her. On the May 29 media call, the perpetual pilgrims acknowledged that their packed days can sap their energy, but explained each “amazing encounter” along their routes also reveals to them the impact that the pilgrimage is having.
EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE INCLUDES NEW YORK BLESSINGS, MASSIVE MINNESOTA PROCESSION
BROOKLYN, N.Y. The Memorial Day weekend included key highlights along all four routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The eastern route’s perpetual pilgrims – young adults walking the full route – visited New York with Masses, Eucharistic adoration, and processions through Central Park and Midtown Manhattan, before processing into the Diocese of Brooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridge May 26. On May 27, the pilgrims boarded a boat in New York Harbor with Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, who, from the water near the Statue of Liberty, blessed the city with the Eucharist before the pilgrims continued on to the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. In St. Paul, Minnesota, an estimated 7,000 Catholics joined the pilgrimage for a 4.5-mile procession led by Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda
from the St. Paul Seminary to the Cathedral of St. Paul. On the pilgrimage’s southern route, pilgrims spent the weekend in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, where Catholics walked in a mile-long procession after Sunday Mass celebrated by Bishop W. Michael Mulvey at the Corpus Christi Cathedral May 26. That route’s perpetual pilgrims continued May 27 to the Diocese of Victoria, where they spent the evening praying at Presidio La Bahía, an historic Spanish colonial fort that played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. Western-route pilgrims attended events in the Dioceses of Reno, Nevada; Baker, Oregon; and Boise, Idaho.
Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, N.Y., carries the monstrance in a Eucharistic procession across the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn from Manhattan on the Seton Route May 26. OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, The Tablet
Father Parmenio Flores, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Sorrows, leads a May 28 procession to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory in Victoria, Texas, on the Juan Diego Route. About 1,000 people participated. OSV News photo/Janet Jones, courtesy The Catholic Lighthouse
PILGRIMAGE COMES TO TRENTON
Continued from 33
the opportunity.”
PRIORITIZING CHRIST
Janelyn Rodriguez of the Cathedral Parish said of the event, “It definitely revived something in me. When the Eucharist in the monstrance came out from the shuttle bus and I could see everyone instantly drop to their knees and began to reverence Jesus – wow! And then the song ‘Dios esta aqui’ (God is here) was sung and hearing everyone sing along and see so many worshipping Jesus, I truly felt his presence.”
Trish Teague from St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, said of the pilgrimage and the revival, “This is also to get a Catholic exposure out in the world; following Jesus ... so many Catholics don’t believe that that’s the True Presence – they’ve lost that.”
Laura Mendez from Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, offered that those who turn away from the faith “think that Christ is not going to forgive us for what we do. I know many of us who are Catholic but haven’t returned to church since we were a kid may [feel embarrassed to go back] or they may feel judged.
“But then you come here – to events like this – and you question yourself because little by little Christ is going to be there for you.”
Andrew Craven from St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville, attended with his wife and eight children. He emphasized prioritizing Christ, saying, “Christ came to suffer with us, so it is not like we are called to be a part of what is easy. We have to prioritize the parts in our faith that are hard too. Christ blesses that too. That is how we get to know him.”
Brothers and Cathedral parishioners Chris and Vinicio Mogrovejo appreciated the diversity and unity of the gathering. “I’m glad I came. ... I felt closer to Jesus,” Chris said. Vinicio added, “I hope people see the unity of different races coming together for Jesus.”
MANAHAWKIN PILGRIMAGE EVENTS
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candlelight procession was held with a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal carrying the pilgrimage monstrance from the church to a darkened parish center gym where the congregation fanned the perimeter. In the center, the monstrance that had been carried by the Seton Route perpetual pilgrims was placed on top of a leveled wooden structure. All had gathered for Adoration, praise and song, an experience that moved some tears.
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell recounted highlights of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ life, then read a statement written by the young teenager: “Throngs of people stand in terminal lines to buy tickets to rock concerts, soccer games. But I don’t see crowds of people lined up outside the church waiting to see Jesus in the Eucharist. That should make us pause and reflect.”
“‘Pause and reflect’ indeed, that’s what the Eucharistic Revival invites us to do,” Bishop O’Connell said, “but we cannot stop there. We are on a pilgrimage and not just a pilgrimage of days or weeks or years. We are on a pilgrimage of our lives, a true journey of faith.”
The Bishop then referred to the recent survey that indicated that less than one-third of the Catholics surveyed understood or held the
belief that Jesus Christ is truly, fully, really present in the Eucharist in the tabernacle. “The Eucharist was described as a symbol of Jesus’ presence, a reminder – and they’re wrong, dead wrong,” he said. “Our core belief as Catholics is that Jesus gave us his Body and his Blood in the Eucharist, not some symbol or reminder.”
“When bread and wine are transformed into Christ’s Body and Blood and when we eat and drink this great gift, we are transformed, we become what we eat, Christ’s own body on earth,” the Bishop continued.
Bishop O’Connell affirmed that the Eucharistic Revival was intended to bring all Catholics closer to the Lord Jesus through direct contact, through encounter with him in the Eucharist.
“This is not simply about good teaching; it’s about encountering the Living Person of Jesus Christ and there is the transformation,” the Bishop said. “It is certainly our hope that all of us in the Diocese of Trenton and or guests who are here with us on pilgrimage will develop deeper and more profound understanding of the Holy Eucharist.”
MOVING FORWARD WITH A EUCHARISTIC HEART
Persons of all ages participating in the evening Mass with Bishop O’Connell in Manahawkin found it to be a heartening and thought-provoking experience, especially when realizing the intent of the Eucharistic Revival.
Angeles Irineo, an eighth grader in St. Joseph School, Toms River, and member of St. Joseph Parish youth group, said her interest in the Eucharistic Revival was piqued after viewing videos and taking part in discussions during youth group meetings.
“I find it to be very beautiful to
be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Irineo said, then added she found it moving to see so many other people with a strong devotion to the Eucharist.
Nicole Calao, a youth ministry volunteer in St. Joseph Parish, said it was “eye-opening” to hear the low number of Catholics who believe in the Eucharist. She said it’s her hope that the Revival will help people to “develop a deeper appreciation about the Eucharist and a closer relationship with God, not just during the Revival,” but as they go forward in their lives.
“I am filled with so much gratitude for what the Eucharist has been in my life.”
Marijane Michalowicz, ministry coordinator in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, thought back to the faith strengthening experience she had when she attended the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia in 1976, and hearing Mother Teresa of Calcutta speak about the “hungers of the human heart,” – the hunger people have in their hearts for Jesus.
“I was 17 and her talk made a lasting impression,” Michalowicz said. “I am filled with so much gratitude for what the Eucharist has been in my life.”
Now, witnessing the 2024 Eucharistic Revival 48 years later, Michalowicz said she hopes and prays that through the Revival, all Catholics and especially young people, will come to a greater appreciation for and belief in the Eucharist.
“The Eucharist feeds us and then in turn we are called to feed each other,” she said.
Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Photo Highlights
1. The May 30 procession to Hillside Park in Bordentown ended with Benediction.
2. Members of the Bordentown Council, Knights of Columbus, lead the May 30 Eucharistic procession from St. Mary Church, Bordentown, to nearby Hillside Park where Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was held.
3. Father Jorge Bedoya, pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, hosts a presentation for children about the importance of Mass and the Eucharist May 28 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
4. Diana Hernandez, a missionary from
Bond of Marian Love with St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, addressed women May 28 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, in which she encouraged them to seek Jesus’ healing instead of solely relying on themselves.
5. Fireworks lit the sky above the Cathedral as the faithful prepared to join in the Eucharistic procession after Mass.
6. Bishop O’Connell holds the monstrance that was used on the Seton Route leg of the Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
7. The third day of the Eucharistic Procession, May 30, started off with Bishop O’Connell celebrating Mass in St. Mary Church, Bordentown.
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