National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s Marian Route Passes Through Diocese of Winona-Rochester

The Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, part of the National Eucharistic Revival, made its way through the Diocese of WinonaRochester May 31 - June 2. The national pilgrimage is made up of four routes and began on May 17 at different starting places across the nation. The Marian Route began at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in the Diocese of Crookston, made its way through the Diocese of Duluth, the Diocese of St. Cloud and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, then entered the Diocese of Winona-Rochester on May 31. The route continues its way through Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. All four national routes will converge in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, which begins on July 17.

More than 500 people processed on Sunday, June 2, from the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist to the Mayo Civic Center for a Mass with Bishop Barron (attended by more than 1,300 people). After the Mass, the procession continued to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rochester.

From Rochester, the procession wound through the countryside, stopping in Eyota, St. Charles, and Lewiston. The pilgrims traveled over 30 miles, carrying the Blessed Sacrament and the relics of St. Philomena, St. Pius X, St. Mary Margaret Alocoque, and St. Bernard. A special Family Night was held at the Crossings Center in Lewiston on June 5 with musical guests Sarah Hart and Steve Angrisano.

After passing through Winona on June 6 at both the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, the procession through the Diocese of Winona-Rochester ended on Friday, June 7, with Bishop Barron celebrating Mass at Crucifixion Parish in La Crescent and then a procession to the Mississippi River where Bishop Barron handed off the Eucharist to newly-installed Bishop Gerard Battersby of the Diocese of La Crosse. Thousands were present for this monumental handoff as they then processed to the La Crosse Civic Center for “The Answer,” a large eucharistic rally including Catholic speakers Chris Stefanick and Immaculée Ilibagiza.

To learn more about the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Eucharistic Congress, and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharistictrevival.org.