Sarah Cahill had a decision to make. If she wanted to join the two-month Eucharistic procession, walking from northern Minnesota to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, she would have to quit her job.
“That was a little hiccup in my discernment,” said Cahill, who grew up attending St. Louis Church in Alexandria. “My boss said I would have to quit and then get rehired. I couldn’t take leave or anything like that. It hit me that this was a bigger decision.”
She quit. “My co-workers were like, ‘What do you mean? That’s crazy.’ But everyone I’ve told has said, ‘That makes sense for you, Sarah.’ So, they’re not surprised.”
Four different groups of six pilgrims began the long walk Pentecost Sunday May 19 from different U.S. locations. Cahill’s team has the shortest journey of just over 500 miles. The longest walk will be from California. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge will concelebrate a special noon Mass with pilgrims on the eastern route at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington June 9. Following Mass, Bishop Burbidge will lead the Eucharistic procession within the Basilica.
The pilgrims will merge in Indianapolis for the beginning of the Congress July 17. Each group will be joined by a seminarian and rotating priests along the way. The Eucharist will be present the entire time, making it a pilgrimage of perpetual adoration.
“The Eucharist has always been the reason I’m Catholic and have stayed Catholic and faithful throughout my life,” said Cahill. “The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the power and healing of Jesus exposed in the monstrance has made me want to be part of it.”
The Drexel University graduate said the thought of doing it “didn’t leave my mind” after reading about the pilgrimage last year. Cahill thinks the procession can bring healing to a nation during turmoil and division.
“Any time you’re with the Lord, you’re changed,” she said. “I just know that there will be healing and change for individuals but also for our country. The culture is hurt. Jesus is not afraid of that, and he wants to heal and encounter us there. His timing is perfect.”
Cahill participated in cross-training and went on long walks every Sunday to prepare for the physical challenges. Dangerous heat, thunderstorms or worse could be in store when traversing the Midwest in the summer, but she is unafraid. “Any time we’re on the move, Jesus is on the move with us,” she said. “It’s clear. The Lord wants to go, and we’re going with him.
