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

From June 14-21, the Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) will be in the Diocese of Lincoln. All faithful are encouraged to participate in at least one aspect of this event.

Beginning on May 19, four groups of “Perpetual Pilgrims” began traveling with the Eucharistic Lord from points east, west, north, and south in the United States. The groups will meet at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis on July 17 after covering tens of thousands of miles on foot and in vehicles equipped as mobile adoration chapels.

The Perpetual Pilgrims for the Serra Route began in San Francisco. EWTN photo | Roselle Reyes. The parishes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in North Platte, All Saints in Holdrege, St. Michael and St. Cecilia parishes in Hastings, St. Ann in Doniphan, and the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln have been identified as locations for the NEP. Local pastors and parishioners have been working with national organizers to arrange procession routes, parade permits, volunteers, publicity, and other details for hosting adoration and processions.

After a June 14-15 visit to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in North Platte and a service project at the local Catholic cemetery, the pilgrimage will head north where Bishop James Conley will join Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt of the Diocese of Grand Island for an 11 a.m. Sunday Mass on June 16 at McDaid Elementary School gym. A procession will follow to Holy Spirit Church.

On June 17, pilgrims will travel to Holdrege where Father Jay Buhman has scheduled Eucharist Adoration at 7 p.m., hoping members of the faithful will stay through the night while preparing lodging and meals for pilgrims.

“Once the pilgrims arrive, all the faithful will act with hospitality,” said Father Buhman.

After Mass on Tuesday morning, June 18, a mile-and-a-half Eucharistic procession is planned through Holdrege.

“There will be an element of beauty that will hopefully open minds and hearts of even non-Catholics,” speculated Father Buhman.

The next stop that day is St. Michael Parish in Hastings with Eucharistic Adoration beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by a two-mile procession from St. Michael Parish to St. Cecilia Parish at 1 p.m., where parishioners plan to set up altars along the route.

Father Jeremy Hazuka noted this is a first-time event between these parishes.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity,” he said. “It will be good for us to do it once so we can do it every year.”

Adoration at St. Cecilia Church follows with Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m., concluding with benediction before journeying back into Grand Island Diocese for overnight stay.

Bishop Hanefeldt celebrates Mass at 8 a.m., Wednesday June 19 at St Mary’s Cathedral followed by another procession across Platte River near St Ann Parish in Doniphan where lay faithful may join around noon.

St Ann Parish hosts Eucharistic Adoration starting at 4 p.m., then pilgrims proceed to Lincoln next day where Thursday includes adoration starting evening continuing overnight ending Friday morning mass celebrated by Bishop Conley followed by procession from Cathedral Risen Christ John XXIII Diocesan Center concluding transfer Holy Eucharist Archbishop George Lucas Omaha near Gretna from Cloisters Platte Holy Family Shrine anyone may participate aspects NEP while pilgrims diocese additional details found https://events.blackthorn.io/DnDCa1K7/5a2PDn1pa8Z

Father Hazuka encourages participation stating "Just show up and follow Jesus."

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