Thoughts from the Heart: Reflections on the Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the Diocese

Father Landry’s talk on Monday night was really engaging. He spoke about how this was the first national Eucharistic pilgrimage ever and it made me excited to be a part of it. Then he said we would be walking 15 miles, and I became nervous thinking to myself, “What have I gotten myself into?!” The walk was a beautiful experience. Just walking with Jesus and seeing other people’s reactions as we came by was incredible. One lady put on her flashers, stopped her car, and knelt on the pavement as we came past. Another beautiful experience was walking with someone I had known a long time but never really talked significantly with. The time passed by so quickly as we got lost in conversation and walking with Jesus the 15 miles together.  
Susan Jankiewicz Duran, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station

“I’m so grateful to have been able to walk last week with Jesus through the streets of New Jersey. I’ve been seeing the pilgrimage online on my Facebook page for a month or so andjust felt like I wanted to go to Indianapolis for the Congress, but honestly couldn’t afford to do it at this time. I had a customer who invited me on the Diocese of Metuchen walk on Tuesday and I was thrilled to be invited. I felt a part of this beautiful pilgrimage.”   
Janice Gensheimer, Diocese of Allentown, Pa., St. Anthony’s of Padua, Easton.

Personally, the people, the pilgrims with whom I walked in following Jesus in the monstrance, made an impact on me. Among the pilgrims I journeyed with were our Bishop Checchio, our clergy, the men and women in consecrated life, the Perpetual Pilgrims on the Seton Route and friends from various parishes that I had served.  These people joined various parts of the two days.  One of these friends flew in from Denver, CO, just to walk the pilgrimage; another parishioner shared that her husband is Muslim but came out to walk in support of her Catholic faith; yet another pilgrim poured out in tears, crying aloud her struggles with faith, “… faith in the Eucharist and in the Catholic Church due to all that has been happening recently.”  In this experience I found myself speechless and with deep emotions, realizing how much Jesus loves us as He draws us to himself despite ourselves.  Christ’s love is real, and it endures through all circumstances (Psalm 136 paraphrased.)  We need Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament!   
Sister of Christian Charity Anna Nguyen, diocesan Delegate for Religious

“My brother is a priest in the Diocese of Metuchen. I came in from Denver, Colo., to visit my family, and it was great timing to be able to participate in the Eucharistic Pilgrimage.  There’s something about traveling and walking with Jesus. As we walked behind the Eucharist, I couldn’t help but think that Jesus is leading us, and if we follow Him, He charts the path for us to go – wanting us to stay close to him. There’s something about going home to ‘pilgrim’ with folks from N.J. ... it reminds me that we’re all one in Christ no matter how far we are from one another. The Eucharistic Pilgrimage was a beautiful experience.  Can’t say thanks enough.”   
Fran Tucker, Denver, Colo.

“The need for Eucharistic Revival coincides, and indeed thrives alongside the Catholic approach to unity. The notion of “both/and” has been a common theme in my prayer life in recent years, and the journey toward the Eucharistic Congress this summer has been a great way to see that meaning in action. It’s been an absolute spiritual sight to uphold getting to meet the pilgrims and see processions across our great state.” 
Matt Pana, director of evangelization for Young Catholic Professionals North Jersey 2024 



Youth Reflections

“The Pilgrimage was a very peaceful and reverent event. I was honored to be a part of it. I was able to grow in faith with other teenagers my age. I was so blessed to be able to go and I will remember it for the rest of my life.”  
Justin Hummell, ’26, IHS, Somerville
 
“The Eucharistic Pilgrimage was a wonderful experience, where I was able to fully immerse myself in prayer with a community of wonderful people. One thing that resonated with me the most, was when I was at the back of the crowd, and I saw the sea of incredible people all gathered around me to praise God. It was incredible to be a part of such a fulfilling experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.” 
Emily Nichols, ‘26, IHS, Somerville
 
“The Pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament was a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the presence of Jesus both alone and with a community of people who share the same love for God.” 
Natalie DiStefano, ‘26, IHS, Somerville

I am glad that God gave me the opportunity to walk on the pilgrimage. From being able to gather together with others and being able and healthy to walk, it truly was a great experience.”  
Sophia Kaye De Vera, ’27 , STAHS

“The Eucharistic Pilgrimage was an enlightening experience for me. Traveling with people from different states and schools was exciting as you saw how big and important this trip is. Once at Saint Peter’s Church, when you sat down for Mass you realized that you helped complete yet another step in a long and very important journey for our religion.” 
Gianna Socio, ‘27,  STAHS