INDIANAPOLIS, July 17 — The 61st day of the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage featured a jubilant entrance into Lucas OIl Stadium at the beginning of the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress.
The pilgrims on the Seton Route — Natalie Garza, Amarayni Higueldo, Dominic Carstens, Marina Frattaroli, Zoe Dongas, seminarian Christoph Bernas, and chaplain Father Roger Landry — processed in holding an image of Route patronness Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. They were also carrying the first-class relic of St. Elizabeth Seton that they have transported throughout the pilgrimage, loaned to them by the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The other three routes of the Pilgrimage likewise processed in along with images of their respective patrons.
After all four routes had entered, there was a Eucharistic procession in which Bishop Andrew Cozzens brought in the monstrance containing the Eucharist and placed Jesus on the altar and incensed him. There was a Eucharistic Holy Hour that followed with praise and worship music, silent adoration, a reading from the Gospel of St. John (6:51-59), a brief homily prayed to the Lord by Bishop Cozzens and finally benediction.
After Benediction and the Divine Praises, Bishop Cozzens processed out of the Stadium with the Blessed Sacrament. Afterward there were talks by emcees Montse Alvarado, Fr. Josh Johnson and Sr. Miriam James, SOLT, by Cardinal Christoph Pierre and by Sr. Bethany Madonna, SV.
The pilgrims' day began with Mass celebrated by chaplain Father Landry at the chapel of the Napa Institute in the Omni Hotel. Father Landry preached a homily on the readings of the day and on the memorial of the 16 Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne, France, who were guillotined for the faith on July 17, 1794. Father Landry emphasized how in the readings God shows us how to transition from our days on pilgrimage as his instruments to continuing serving as his instruments in new ways. To do so well, he said, requires the childlike trust and faith Jesus describes in the Gospel.
During the rest of the day pilgrims got registered for the Congress and volunteered in hospitality.
The following are from Liz Christy from the Diocese of Columbus, which can be used with proper attribution.
