Diocese of Metuchen Welcomes Historic Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Central New Jersey

METUCHEN—Gathered before the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, the Diocese of Metuchen officially welcomed the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) to Central New Jersey on May 27th and 28th. This pilgrimage, a crucial element of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, is designed to rekindle devotion and faith in the Eucharist across the United States.

Bishop James F. Checchio expressed his joy at the event, stating, "What a grace it is to welcome and adore Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist as the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage passes through our Diocese. The Church of Metuchen receives you with open hearts and outstretched arms." He emphasized the pilgrimage's spiritual impact, predicting it would touch many hearts and strengthen communal devotion to the Eucharist.

This pilgrimage represents a historic initiative within the U.S. Catholic Church, aiming to rejuvenate and deepen understanding of the Eucharist. The NEP features four primary routes converging in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17-21, 2024. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route, originating in New Haven, CT, highlights significant Catholic sites along the East Coast, including a stop in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Premier See of the United States. 

A significant aspect of the pilgrimage in Metuchen was the convergence of two major pilgrimages at the Cathedral. This included the arrival of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima from the National Blue Army Shrine in Asbury, NJ. This statue, traveling across the country, aims to prepare the way for the NEP by fostering prayer and reparation, aligning with the message of Fatima and the mission of the World Apostolate of Fatima, also known as Our Lady’s Blue Army​.

"I pray that this pilgrimage experience will be an expression of faith and joy that will bring us together as a Church," Bishop Checchio shared as he highlighted the pilgrimage's role in uniting the Church. Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, added, "Witnessing the unity and devotion of the pilgrims as they journey through our Diocese is truly inspiring. This pilgrimage is a powerful reminder of the strength and vitality of our faith."

Local Catholics were encouraged to extend hospitality to the pilgrims, echoing Biblical traditions of welcoming strangers. This act of generosity not only supports the pilgrims but also strengthens community bonds.

As the pilgrimage advances towards the National Eucharistic Congress, the Diocese of Metuchen looks forward to joining tens of thousands of Catholics in Indianapolis. Bishop Checchio and diocesan representatives plan to attend, seeing it as a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal. "This pilgrimage is more than a journey; it's a movement of the Holy Spirit, bringing us closer to Christ and to each other,” Adam Carlisle concluded. 

Natalie Garza, Perpetual Pilgrim of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, holds the crown of the National Pilgrim Statue of Fatima before crowning the Blessed Mother. (Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. / Diocese of Metuchen)


The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s specially designed vehicle and mobile altar will travel from New Haven, CT, to Indianapolis, IN, before the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. (Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. / Diocese of Metuchen)