Washington DC – On Saturday, thousands of people in Washington, DC, took part in the National Communion Pilgrimage, publicly demonstrating their faith and devotion to Jesus Christ.
The pilgrimage is one of four from across the country that will converge on Indianapolis, Indiana in July ahead of the National Eucharistic Congress.
The “Seton Route” pilgrims left New Haven, Connecticut on May 17 and arrived in Washington on June 8.
Rhode Island priest says ‘Holy Communion is a miracle of love, hidden in plain sight’
They will remain in Washington on the morning of June 9th before continuing their pilgrimage in Loretto, Pennsylvania on Monday, June 10th.
More than 2,500 people have preregistered to attend Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception before the procession begins Saturday, an official with the Archdiocese of Washington told Fox News Digital.
“It’s a beautiful time to spend with the Lord,” one deacon told Fox News Digital during Saturday’s pilgrimage. (Christine Roussel/Fox News Digital)
One of them was Shelley Sersemo, of Rockland, Md., who volunteered for the procession and walked the route that day. Volunteers were there to keep order, make sure people followed directions and press a megaphone so the rosary could be heard.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Church believes that in Eucharist “under the appearance of bread and wine the whole of Christ – body, blood, soul, and divinity – is truly present.”
South Carolina priest says Eucharist is a reminder that God wants ‘to be with us’
As a result, the consecrated Eucharist becomes an object of devotion, and pilgrims come to believe that they are traveling with Jesus throughout the procession through the streets of the various cities.
“It’s a great way to connect with others here and share our faith.”
Eucharistic adoration is “such a beautiful way to honor and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ,” Salsemo said.
She said volunteering during the pilgrimage was “a great way to connect with other people here and share my faith.”
Volunteers pose outside the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception ahead of the Eucharistic Pilgrimage on Saturday, June 8. (Christine Roussel/Fox News Digital)
The Catholic faith places great emphasis on prayer and confession, she said.
The pilgrimage, especially one taking place on a hot June day in Washington, D.C., is an opportunity for someone to “offer discomfort as penance for the sins of the world,” she said.
During Saturday’s event, the pilgrims made several stops around Washington’s Brookland neighborhood, where participants had the opportunity to hear teachings about Jesus Christ and venerate the Eucharist.
Pope Francis paves the way for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, first saint of the millennium
The procession was led by a priest carrying a “monstrance,” a special container for the Eucharist.
Deacon Steve Nash, assigned to the Diocese of Largo, Maryland, told Fox News Digital that it was his first time taking part in such a large Eucharistic procession.
On the morning of Saturday, June 8th, thousands of people gathered to take part in the National Communion Pilgrimage in Washington, DC. (Christine Roussel/Fox News Digital)
“Jesus needs to be known to the whole world,” he said. “We are all sinners, so it’s good that we’re here.”
“There is no better place in this whole wide universe than this place to receive the sacrament, be with others and prepare for the sacrament conference in July. It’s a wonderful time to spend with the Lord,” Nash said.
He added, “This is amazing.”
“Being able to introduce others to Jesus is something very special. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I heard about it.”
El Rush, from Arlington, Virginia, was beaming as he spoke to Fox News Digital about his excitement ahead of the start of the pilgrimage.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
“Jesus is here,” she said, “and we can walk around and follow him in the streets.”
“Being able to share Jesus with others is really special. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I heard about it,” said her friend, Franigen Phillips of Nashville.
Some Washington, D.C. attendees told Fox News Digital they believe it’s important to reach the city with Jesus. (Christine Roussel/Fox News Digital)
Among the crowd were several “permanent pilgrims” – young people who will be making the pilgrimage full time, from its start in May until its conclusion in July.
One person who originally hadn’t planned on taking part in Saturday’s pilgrimage was Ethan Strometz.
A student at the Catholic University of America in Washington, he was unaware the pilgrimage was taking place until he stumbled upon it while having coffee.
“I just went outside and watched it go by,” he said.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Strometz said he had attended Eucharistic services before but was surprised to see such a large procession.
“It’s a good start to the morning,” he told Fox News Digital.
The National Eucharistic Congress has been held nine times so far, with this year marking the first time since 1941.
For more lifestyle stories, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
