This post is about my participation in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage 2026 that was hosted by Catholic Churches during the summer of 2026. This Pilgrimage was having the exposed Eucharist travel from St Augustine, FL to Portland ME. The Pilgrimage was part of the National Eucharistic Revival that was launched by Catholic Bishops in 2022. The Revival and Pilgrimages are intended to draw attention to and promote the gift of the Eucharist.
The Eucharist was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. Catholic and Orthodox faiths believe that the real presence of Christ exists in the Eucharist. When the bread (and wine) are consecrated during a Mass they become the body and blood of Christ. One of the catalysts for initiating the Eucharistic Revival was a Pew Research Center survey taken in 2019. That survey reported that only about 31% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. If you’re interested, you can Google the word “Eucharist” and find out more about this incredible gift.
I got interested in the National Eucharistic Revival in 2024 after watching some replays of the speeches from the National Eucharistic Congress that was held in Indianapolis during June 2024. I also watched the movie – Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist (that movie is now available to view on Amazon Prime). That movie piqued my interest even more.
One of the stops of this years pilgrimage was at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus in Chicopee, MA, The church planned some special events for the pilgrimage which included Adoration, a special Mass, and a walking procession of the Eucharist in Chicopee. My church posted a notice that the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage route was coming into Massachusetts this month. So, I deicide to check it out and participate in the events in Chicopee. The events at Chicopee were well attended with about 500 people participating.
Basilica of St. Stanislaus
The Basilica of St. Stanislaus is a large beautiful Catholic church located in Chicopee, MA. It was built in 1908 to serve the Polish community in Chicopee. It was designated as a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1991.
The term Basilica is derived from a Greek word meaning “royal house” or “royal court”. A church is designated as a Basilica to honor its historic value, architectural beauty, and significant worship activity. It’s a designation conferred by the Pope. There are 4 Major Basilicas (all in Rome) and 1,500 Minor Basilicas globally.
As a Polish church, St. Stanislaus honors a Polish saint (St. Stanislaus is the Patron saint of Poland) and a national identity. I’ve found Polish churches to be ornate and loaded with imagery. Below are some pictures that show the church’s beauty.
One item in the church drew my attention. It was an icon painting positioned in the center of the main altar of Mary holding the infant Jesus. I researched the icon and found that it is a copy of the famous Black Madonna of Czestochowa. The original Black Madonna is housed on the Jasna Gora Monastery in Poland. Legend claims that it may have been painted by St. Luke. It is a symbol of national identity and revered by many Polish Christians. Copies of the icon can be seen in many Polish churches.
Eucharist Arrival & Mass
The Eucharist was carried to Chicopee in a van by volunteers from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage organization. It had been in Springfield MA the previous day. It was carried into the church by the Pastor of St Stanislaus and placed on the altar.
Those gathered in the church (the church was full) were led by some members of the church in praying the Rosary. This was a very moving event. I pray the Rosary each day. It was special to pray aloud with 500 of my brothers and sisters. Our voices were united with hearts open and turned towards God.
A Mass was celebrated with eight priest attending. Parts of the Mass were said in Polish for the local church members.
Procession
After the Mass, all the church attendees gathered in a procession with the Holy Eucharist. We walked with Jesus through the local neighborhood which surrounds the church. It was a unique procession. Polish hymns and music were played as we walked.
This was a unique experience. Not only was it visual appealing, it was very spiritual. I experienced great inner joy in my heart throughout the Mass and Procession. I believe God’s Holy Spirit was very present and He responded by filling us with his love and grace.
After the stop in Chicopee the Pilgrimage proceeded to Northfield, MA . From there is went thru southern New Hampshire, into southern Maine, back to Boston and the ended in Philadelphia on July 5, 2026.
The Eucharist is an incredible gift that nourishes us, heals us, and draws us closer to Christ. I look forward to attending National Eucharistic Revival events in the future.
Archbishop Sheen,
The miracle that was approved involved a baby boy still born. The boy’s mother grew up in our parish. The grandmother sings in our music group. Our parish (St. Mary of Lourdes in Germantown Hills ILL) will take a bus load to St. Louis for the Beatification in Sept.
Bonnie, the boy’s mother, has a very strong devotion to Sheen and prayed for his intercession before and after the birth (which she did at home). The stillborn child was rushed to OSF Neo Nato in Peoria IL, they worked diligently to revive the child, but called the time of death, ( 69 minutes without a pulse or breath) the doctor turned and walked out of the room to tell the mother of his death, then the miracle happened and he began to breathe on his own. The child is in High School now and very normal.
Our parish makes a nice road trip stop. Settled in the Hills over the Illinois river, it was the very first Catholic parish in Illinois about 1840. Our building (the second Catholic building to be built in Illinois, Joliet was first). The historians don’t count our first log cabin church. A stone grotto is next door. Beautiful German architecture – 3 altars. We have an awesome young priest. While you’re in town, visit the old courthouse in Metamora Illinois where Lincoln practiced. (made famous by mentioning it in Steven Spielburgs movie “Lincoln”). Lincoln Douglas debates were in Metamora. Lincoln road a horse up the road behind our parish on his way to the debates.
Peoria offers a Caterpillar museum, Peoria Museum (where the world’s first car is on display). Also, a wheel of time museum up North.
I enjoy your journals.
18J View.