On Pilgrimage–Passport not necessary

 From the beginning Christians made pilgrimages. This picture comes from the Canterbury Tales, seemingly one of the most fun pilgrimages on record! One the earliest pilgrims was Egeria, a Gaelic woman who traveled to Jerusalem in the late 4th century and wrote some of the earliest accounts of the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter. Christians have been on the move ever since.

In the Presence of the Holy

In Catholic tradition, many pilgrimages follow in the footsteps of a particular saint. Other pilgrimages make their destination a visit to a relic of saint to seek his or her intercession. Still others visit a church or a place made holy by some event. This Lent in the Archdiocese of Washington, rather than going on pilgrimage, we are bringing the pilgrimage to you through an exhibit called The Eucharistic Miracles 

A Pilgrimage of Adoration

Our pilgrimage is in conjunction with The Light is ON for You. At selected parishes, on Wednesday evenings, there will be an exhibit of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World. These Eucharistic miracles have a special place  in the life of the church. The miracles took place all over the world and throughout the ages and remind us of Gods’ infinite grace and mercy. We hope that the storiesof  these miracles will strengthen your faith and deepen your appreciation of the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist.  

When presented with this idea, I have to admit that I was a little skeptical of what the display might look like and whether it would be of interest to people. However, when the exhibit arrived and I saw that the posters are really nicely designed and the wide variety of stories– some unbelievable and some unbelievably inspiring ,  I’ve decided that many people will enjoy learning more about the long tradition of  these miracles that tell a grand story of God’s presence made visible in an extraordinary moment.

 I think it is also important to note that believing in these miracles is not essential to the faith. A Christian is not obligated to believe in Eucharistic miracles. These miracles can, however, encourage a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist.  Their stories may help a person discover the mystery, the beauty and the riches of the Eucharist. Visit one of the exhibits and tell us what you think.

Mapping the Pilgrimage 

The exhibit will be on display during Lent on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the following parishes:

WASHINGTON, DC

St. Peter, Capitol Hill, (2nd & C Streets, SE)

Our Lady of Victory, (4835 MacArthur Boulevard, NW)

Immaculate Conception, (8th & N Streets, NW)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

St. Raphael, (Falls Road at Dunster Road, Rockville)

St. Catherine Labouré, (11801 Claridge Road, Wheaton)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

St. Mary of the Assumption, (14912 Main Street, Upper Marlboro)

Sacred Heart, (16501 Annapolis Road, Bowie)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

St. John, (43927 St. John’s Road, Hollywood)

Jesus the Good Shepherd, (1601 West Mount Harmony Road, Owings)