Catholics from near and far gathered Memorial Day weekend at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine for the start of the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage will travel north along the East Coast, with stops in 18 dioceses and archdioceses, concluding on or about Independence Day in Philadelphia.
The pilgrimage is part of the Catholic Church in the United States’ observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The location of the launch was significant as it began at the site where the Mass was celebrated in 1565. (An earlier Mass was celebrated in Pensacola, but that settlement was abandoned, yielding the title of Nation’s Oldest City to St. Augustine.)
The event began with a concert on Friday, May 22. The weekend continued with Eucharistic Adoration, a Family Rosary Across America led by Relevant Radio, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a museum exhibit, a service project with Catholic Charities, special interest talks and more.
Bishop Erik Pohlmeier celebrated the Pentecost Mass at the outdoor altar near the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.
Sunday afternoon, a Eucharistic procession was held from the Shrine to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, where there were reflections, speakers and sacred music. In the procession, Catholics carry the Blessed Sacrament through the public streets.
The pilgrimage was well attended. The procession route was packed with hundreds of participants. In fact, Sunday proved to be one of those rare days when every parking spot in downtown St. Augustine was taken. Even the parking garage had to be closed.
On Monday morning, the pilgrimage continued with a procession at Christ the King Parish in Jacksonville. On Monday afternoon, a procession was held from St. Michael Parish in Fernandina Beach to the city pier.
From there the pilgrims crossed the St. Marys River into Georgia, where the pilgrimage continued along its northward route through the Diocese of Savannah.
