By Teresa Golden
Proclaim!
Just a few weeks ago, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown welcomed the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to historic sites around the diocese as part of the continued celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival in the United States.
Hundreds flocked to witness and take part in the many processions, Masses, and other opportunities that were provided in Loretto, Johnstown, Altoona, and Duncansville from June 9th to 11th.
While pilgrimage festivities have come to a close in Altoona-Johnstown, many local Catholics feel that what they witnessed over the three-day period has remained alive within them and changed their spiritual lives for the better.
“The three-day visit of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage was filled with wonder and awe,” shared Rose Trexler, a parishioner at Saint Aloysius in Cresson. “Jesus, Himself, God Incarnate, traversed our streets, paths originally trod by Servant of God Prince Demetrius Gallitzin. It was an amazing experience to participate in the activities, witness the crowds, hear the talks, and be blessed with receiving Jesus Christ, Our Lord, True God and True Man. I truly believe the Eucharistic Revival sparks a renewed sense of love for The Eucharist.”
Father Stephen Mary Waruszewski, TOR, of Loretto, one of the many priests that participated in pilgrimage events over the three-day period, expressed that his participation in the pilgrimage motivated him in his priestly ministry and pastoral care for those he serves.
“It was a joy to have the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Seton Route stop in our little town of Loretto,” said Father Waruszewski. “Our Catholic history in Loretto is strong, with Demetrius Gallitzin as the Apostle of the Alleghenies and the Franciscan Friars who have been here for 175 years, it was a fitting stop for the pilgrimage. I appreciated the spirit-filled homily, as Father Roger Landry spoke very passionately about how we need to draw our life from the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, it is the most important aspect of being Catholic, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that nourishes us and keeps our spiritual lives alive. As a priest, this event helped to strengthen my love for the Eucharist, and I pray that in our diocese we continue to grow in deeper love with Jesus in the Eucharist.”
Brandon Peters of Saint Demetrius Parish in Gallitzin was reaffirmed in his devotion to the Eucharist through witnessing the pilgrimage visit the diocese.
“The Catechism tells us the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life,” he noted. I’ve heard it many times, but the Eucharistic Revival is an opportunity for it to sink in for all of us. The Eucharistic Pilgrimage Mass in Loretto was a beautiful example of that and it has been the perfect reminder at every single Mass thereafter.”
Peters was present at the Loretto Mass and procession alongside his family, with one of his children having a special role in the procession as a 2024 First Communicant.
“My son and many other First Communicants across the diocese, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Daughters of America, more than a dozen priests, and the rest of the faithful in attendance took part in the procession following Mass, all giving glory to Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, our Lord and savior. I’m not sure how you pack more beauty into one event.”
Following their visit to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the pilgrims continued on the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Greensburg, one of the many destinations on their journey to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this July.
Despite the conclusion of pilgrimage events in Altoona-Johnstown, the faithful continue to embrace the enthusiasm for the Eucharist brought to the area by the national pilgrims.
