Organizers have unveiled plans for the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a 3,340 mile spiritual journey across the United States.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston in northwestern Minnesota announced during an April 10 press conference that participants may receive a plenary indulgence granted by Pope Francis.
The pilgrimage, known as the Drexel Route in honor of Saint Katharine Drexel, begins with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis on May 18. Participants will travel through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Eight young adults, called “Perpetual Pilgrims,” will accompany the Blessed Sacrament on the entire route. Catholics are invited to join at various segments and participate along the way.
Bishop Cozzens emphasized the significance of the indulgence, describing it as offering “the same weight as if you go to Rome.” However, pilgrims must fulfill the usual conditions to obtain this indulgence.
Events planned along the route will emphasize hope and healing, reflecting the Jubilee Year of Hope declared by the Church for 2025. Stops include significant shrines and cathedrals, where Masses will be celebrated in multiple languages and rites.
The pilgrimage includes special visits to nursing homes, prisons and areas impacted by recent tragedies, such as the Oklahoma City bombing memorial and wildfire-affected communities in Los Angeles.
A closing Eucharistic procession and festival are scheduled for June 22 in Los Angeles, coinciding with the Feast of Corpus Christi.
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