Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

On June 7, 2024, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will make a stop in Baton Rouge on its journey to the National Eucharistic Congress, which is scheduled for July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis. The day's activities will commence with an 8 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. This will be followed by a 1.5-mile Eucharistic Procession beginning at 9:30 a.m., leading from Sacred Heart to St. Joseph Cathedral.

At the cathedral, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Bishop Michael G. Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and learn more about community service. They will also partake in lunch and listen to testimonies from the National Eucharistic pilgrims between 10:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A Eucharistic Prayer Service will begin at Christ the King Catholic Church and Student Center on LSU’s campus at 2 p.m., featuring Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship, prayer ministries, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) with priests from throughout the diocese. The event is set to conclude at 4 p.m.

Bishop Duca shared his thoughts on this occasion: "Throughout this time of Eucharistic Revival in our national and local Church, I have reflected often on the Road to Emmaus narrative found in the Gospel of Luke,” he said. “The Gospel recounts the story of two disciples who have encountered the Risen Lord by walking with Him on their journey to Emmaus and recognizing Him at table once He breaks bread with them."

All events during this Baton Rouge leg of the pilgrimage are free and open to all interested parties. However, due to scheduling constraints, attendees are responsible for their own transportation arrangements around Baton Rouge.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will commence on May 19, 2024, from four locations across the United States: California, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Texas. The pilgrimage routes will cover a combined distance of 6,500 miles through cities, small towns, highways and back roads. On July 17, 2024, all four routes will converge in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress.

The Pilgrimage is part of the National Eucharistic Revival initiative which began in summer 2022 and is set to conclude in summer 2025. The Revival aims to facilitate healing, conversion, formation and unity among members of the Catholic Church in America through an encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Fr. Mathew Dunn, chairman of the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Eucharistic Revival stated: “The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith, and we are incredibly blessed as a diocese to be able to partake in this National Pilgrimage.”