Two Hoosiers serving as Perpetual Pilgrims for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Catholics from across the country are preparing for this year’s National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a weeks-long public journey of faith that will travel up the East Coast beginning May 24.

Among the nine “Perpetual Pilgrims” selected to walk the entire route are two people who practice their faith in Indiana.

South Bend resident and Perpetual Pilgrim Mary Carmen Zakrajsek said participants will accompany the Blessed Sacrament throughout the pilgrimage.

“As a Perpetual Pilgrim, I will walk with the Blessed Sacrament across the United States this summer on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage,” Zakrajsek said. “We will be walking with Jesus, present in the form of the Holy Eucharist.”

In Catholic teaching, the Eucharist is believed to be the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, making the pilgrimage both a public witness of faith and a spiritual journey.

Zakrajsek said she was inspired to join after witnessing a similar experience at age 14.

“I desire to renew my own relationship with Jesus and to realign myself under his sovereignty,” she said. “This pilgrimage is an opportunity for tens of thousands of Catholics, but specifically for young adults and the Perpetual Pilgrims, to spend a summer walking with him.”

This year’s pilgrimage theme, held in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, is “One Nation Under God.”

“Our nation is also on a pilgrimage,” said Hammond resident Zach Dotson, Assistant Team Lead and Perpetual Pilgrim. “We’re on a pilgrimage every day to be a more perfect union, and I think the only way we get there is by refocusing and centering our lives on Christ.”

Ahead of the official start in Florida during Memorial Day weekend, the pilgrims participated in a much-shorter pilgrimage in South Bend alongside local Catholics.

Organizers also collected prayer requests from community members, which will be honored during Masses held in historic Catholic churches along the route.

“What I’m looking forward to most on this pilgrimage is getting to truly see Christ in all of our brothers and sisters that we encounter,” Dotson said. “Hopefully showing our faith in action and bringing people to Christ’s Church.”