Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, as part of the U.S. bishops’ national Eucharistic Revival, recently announced the winners of the Eucharistic Passport Pilgrimage program. This initiative, spearheaded by Bishop James Conley, aimed to deepen the understanding and appreciation for the Holy Eucharist through a series of local events and activities across the diocese.

Bishop Conley described the pilgrimage as a way to connect with the Holy Eucharist while exploring different parishes within the diocese. He stated, “The Eucharistic Passport Pilgrimage is a way to deepen our understanding, love and appreciation for the great gift and mystery of the Holy Eucharist and, at the same time, enjoy ‘a wide variety of travel adventures’ alone or with family members and friends, to places in the diocese that, perhaps, you have never visited before.”

The pilgrimage, which included visits to 17 different parishes where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, was officially opened in August 2023 and continued until July 17, coinciding with the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. To encourage participation, Bishop Conley introduced a competitive element to the pilgrimage, offering prizes to the first 10 individuals who completed the entire journey.

Among the winners of the Eucharistic Passport Pilgrimage were Duane Oden of St. Joseph Parish in Beatrice, Sean Quigley of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln, Phyllis Kool of North American Martyrs Parish in Lincoln, Robert LaBrie of St. Anne Parish in Doniphan, Pat Heinemann of St. Mary Parish in Wallace, Rosario Montalvo of Cristo Rey Parish in Lincoln, the Becerra and Solano family of Cristo Rey Parish in Lincoln, Richard and Jane Rayer of St. Catherine Parish in Indianola, Richard Brunner of St. Mary Parish in Lincoln, and Richard and Cathy Haden of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ Parish in Lincoln.

Each of the 10 winners received a certificate of completion and a cash prize of $200 for their dedication to the Eucharistic Passport Pilgrimage. The initiative was part of the broader National Eucharistic Revival that commenced in the Diocese of Lincoln in June 2022, with various events and activities aimed at enhancing the spiritual journey of participants.

The Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Lincoln continues with upcoming events, including an outdoor Mass and Eucharistic procession at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat Center in Waverly, and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage passing through the Lincoln Diocese in June.