National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Sets Off on the Drexel Route| National Catholic Register
Lessons from the California Trail Inform Today’s National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Pope Francis praised St. Junípero Serra at his 2015 canonization Mass as “the embodiment of ‘a Church which goes forth,’ a Church which sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling tenderness of God.”
This missionary spirit is reflected in the National Eucharistic Revival, a movement to restore devotion to the Eucharist. Its focal point, the National Eucharistic Congress (July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis), was the first in 83 years. Leading up to it, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage followed four routes converging in Indianapolis, including the Junípero Serra Route from San Francisco.
During the congress, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the chairman of the event, proposed another Eucharistic pilgrimage, beginning in Indianapolis and ending in Los Angeles on Corpus Christi Sunday 2025. This 3,300-mile journey, the Drexel Route, launches on May 18. Inspired by St. Junípero, known for his relentless walking, I embarked on an 800-mile pilgrimage along the California Missions Trail, deepening my understanding of pilgrimage and Serra’s spirit.
Lessons From the Pilgrim Path
St. Junípero, the founder of the California Missions, was an incessant walker. Drawn to walk in his footsteps, I discovered profound spiritual insights along the way. In the spirit of Serra, let us reflect on the key aspects of pilgrimage:
1. Pilgrims Are Adventurers Open to Encounter.
A great way to start any pilgrimage is in adoration. St. Junípero understood this well. On June 27, 1776, he wrote to Viceroy Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa from Monterey, requesting a monstrance for the newly founded Mission San Francisco. “I can assure you that, were I to buy it with the blood of my own veins, they [priests] would not go without one,” he wrote, emphasizing the importance of Eucharistic devotion. Christ will sustain you on your journey as he did for Serra on his many travels.
2. The Pilgrim Carries Everything He or She Owns.
Modern materialism would be foreign to St. Junípero. He took a vow of poverty, wearing the same clothes until they fell apart. Yet pilgrimage is not just about shedding material possessions; it is also about carrying our hopes, burdens and prayers along the way.
3. The Pilgrim Has No Permanent Dwelling in This World.
Father Serra’s motto, Siempre adelante! (“Always forward!”), was highlighted in Pope Francis’ canonization homily: “Today, like him, may we be able to say: Forward! Let’s keep moving forward!” We are a pilgrim people, journeying toward our true home in heaven.
4. The Pilgrim Walks Everywhere.
St. Junípero traveled an estimated 24,000 miles, much of it on foot and in pain. After arriving in Veracruz, Mexico, he chose to walk to Mexico City. One night, a venomous spider bite caused him lasting pain. Yet, on Dec. 31, 1749, he arrived at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, giving thanks for his journey. His perseverance reminds us that great accomplishments begin with a single step.
5. The Pilgrim Depends on the Generosity of Others.
Willa Cather, in Death Comes for the Archbishop, echoes a legendary story about Serra. After a grueling journey, Father Serra and his companion sought refuge at a monastery. The monks marveled at how they had survived, given the harsh terrain. The Franciscan missionary recounted how a poor Mexican family had taken them in. The monks, knowing no one lived in that region, returned to the landmark — only to find no house. Many believe Father Serra and his companion had been cared for by the Holy Family. The lesson? Be open to the angels you may encounter on your journey.
6. The Pilgrim Is Always Discovering His or Her Purpose.
Discerning one’s purpose is a lifelong journey. Father Serra, though called to religious life early, did not become a missionary until later in life, after a successful academic career. Agnes Repplier describes him in Junípero Serra: Pioneer, Missionary, Saint: “The intensity of his will was like a torrent between high walls. There was no bend or break to dissipate its force.” Walking is a powerful way to discern how we can use our gifts to build God’s kingdom. In the quiet, the Holy Spirit speaks.
7. Begin Your Own Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is a gift that deepens faith and transformation. When the Lord asked the prophet Elijah, “Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19:13), it was a moment of reflection and calling. The same question applies to us today. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage offers guidance on starting your own pilgrimage, wherever you are on life’s journey.
So take the first step. Ever forward! (¡Siempre adelante!)
Christian Clifford writes on the subject Catholic Church history in Spanish and Mexican California. His latest book is the Catholic Media Association Book Award recipient Pilgrimage: In Search of the REAL California Missions, the story of his 800-mile walk of the California Missions Trail. He can be reached at Missions1769.com.
