National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the US: 4 nuns tell their experience to EWTN

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is entering its third week, uniting Catholics from across the United States through Eucharistic processions across the country.

A special group participating in the Elizabeth Ann Seton Route, which began in the northeast, is made up of four nuns from the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love.

The group of sisters participated in the program EWTN News In Depth on May 24 to share how they became involved in the pilgrimage and their intense experience so far.

When the Eucharistic Revival began, the sisters were asked by their bishop to be contact people for the diocese. They then organized the diocesan Eucharistic Revival and for the past year have been giving parish retreats on the Eucharist every second Saturday of the month.

Mother Mary Maximilian told the host of EWTN News In Depth and President and Chief Operating Officer of EWTN News, Montse Alvarado, that being part of the Eucharistic Revival has been “a great blessing for our community.”

After the sisters learned about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, they were immediately drawn to participate as “Perpetual Pilgrims,” people selected to participate in the pilgrimage throughout the route. However, after contacting the National Eucharistic Congress, they were told that this was only possible for young people.

“We accept it,” Sister Maximilian said. “As much as my heart is 18 years old, my body is not.”

Later, Father Roger Landry, who directs the Elizabeth Ann Seton route, was in the sisters’ parish during Lent and had dinner with some of them. Sister Maximilian explained that Father Landry mentioned the pilgrimage and the sisters shared their desire to participate.

The priest said he would welcome the community of sisters to join them, but the next morning he explained that they would need to have their own support vehicle. Two hours later, the sisters received a donation to help pay for shoes for the pilgrimage, and at 3 p.m. the same day they received a truck, a trailer, and even had a driver.

The sisters now sleep in a thirty-foot-long Airstream camper as they travel the Seton Trail through many states on their way to Indianapolis, the final destination where the four pilgrimage routes will converge at the Eucharistic Congress, which will take place place from July 17 to 21.

“Life in the trailer is a very interesting experience,” Sister Maximilian said jokingly, sharing that the entire experience so far is “extraordinary: we have seen a lot of love in every faith community we have seen receive the Lord Jesus” in the Eucharist.

For the sisters, the Haitian community is one of those that stood out during the numerous stops on the pilgrimage. Sister Maximilian described that instead of making the sign of the cross during the blessing, the Haitians they encountered opened their arms “to receive the blessing of the Lord.”

The nun also praised the Perpetual Pilgrims and how they have come together so quickly as a team.

“They have gathered together so beautifully, and they all jump out of the van right before Jesus comes and kneel down to let everyone know the king is coming,” he said, adding, “and they lead praise and worship during all the celebrations.” walking and carrying heavy speakers; and seeing them is just beautiful.”

For Sister Mary Maximilian, the experience lived so far has been “a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for the love that the Lord wants to pour out.”

“He wants to walk through this nation. He wants to bless his people. He wants to heal his people. He says, ‘When I am lifted up, I will draw everyone to me.’ He wants to draw them to himself and we are watching that happen.”

So far, the sisters have already passed through Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. On June 8 they were in Washington DC.

The full segment of the interview with EWTN News In Depth can be seen below (in English)

Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA