Mark your calendars: On Thursday, June 18, the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts will welcome a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage.
On that day, the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be stopping by, its first stop in Massachusetts and the Diocese of Springfield.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, under the theme "One Nation Under God," is a nationwide call to renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist. This pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add the phrase "One Nation Under God" into our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance.
Cabrini Route
The 2026 Pilgrimage is traveling the Eastern Seaboard along the "Cabrini Route," with St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized, serving as patroness.
It started out on Memorial Day weekend in St. Augustine, Florida, with the opening Mass at Our Lady of La Leche Shrine, site of the first Mass celebrated on American soil.
The daily rhythm on its way north includes Mass, walking processions, Eucharistic Adoration, witness talks, and service projects. The pilgrimage will pass through the dioceses of Savannah, Charleston, Charlotte, Richmond, Arlington, Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Camden, Paterson, Springfield (MA), Manchester, Portland (ME), Boston, Fall River, and Providence.
The pilgrimage will conclude in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, on July 5, with a closing Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by a Eucharistic Procession to the National Shrine of St. John Neumann.
Eight young adult perpetual pilgrims and a media missionary will undertake the full journey, including a private mid-point retreat at the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in New York City.
National Shrine stop
On June 18, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will arrive on Eden Hill at Noon. A Eucharistic Procession with 7 Stations will be followed by a 1 p.m. Holy Hour with Confessions and the praying the Rosary for life, and Mass at 2 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Daniel Klimek.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction will conclude the visit, and the pilgrimage will depart at 3:30 p.m. for an evening event in Springfield.
All are welcome to attend this free outdoor celebration, to be held (weather permitting) at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. It will also be broadcast LIVE on EWTN and on DivineMercyPlus.org and our YouTube channel.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dr. Joe McAleer: 413-298-1322 or jmcaleer@Marian.org.
“Our diocese is honored to host for three days this national pilgrimage,” Bishop William D. Byrne of Springfield, said, “one which will give ample public witness to our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith that will be on full display in a number of prominent locations across our diocese."
Renewal of Faith
Centered on encounter and mission as the faithful walk with Jesus truly present in the Eucharist, the pilgrimage invites all to renewal of faith, one person at a time. And In solidarity with the United States Bishops’ call to consecrate America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Pilgrimage brings Jesus Himself directly to the American people with opportunities for public participation in processions, Masses, devotionals, and more.
“Our hope is that Catholics will come together on this significant anniversary to give thanks for our country and to pray for our future. We want all Catholics to be inspired with missionary zeal to bring revival through the light and love of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, Chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress.
Follow the progress of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage at EucharisticPilgrimage.org.
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