If God’s grace is poured out for us like rain, gaining an indulgence is like getting a bucket to catch more rain. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, quoting Pope Saint Paul VI, explains that “an indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under prescribed conditions through the action of the Church, which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” (1471)
What does that mean? It’s a bit like if every time we sin, we pound a nail into the trunk of a tree. When we receive God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus removes the nails. However, they leave holes. Penance repairs the holes left by the nails. The Church offers an indulgence as a way to receive God’s grace to repair holes either for oneself or for someone who died before their holes were repaired. Learn more about the Church’s teaching on indulgences in paragraphs 1471-1479 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
On April 9, 2024, the USCCB announced: “A decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary and approved by Pope Francis indicates that the plenary indulgence will be granted to the Christian faithful who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage at any point between May 17 and July 16, 2024. It will also be granted to the elderly, infirm, and all those who cannot leave their homes for a serious reason and who participate in spirit with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, uniting their prayers, pains, or inconveniences with Christ and the pilgrimage. This indulgence is granted under the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. The faithful may also apply this indulgence through suffrage for the souls of the faithful departed in Purgatory. In recognition of this extraordinary event, the Apostolic Penitentiary also requests that all priests who have been endowed with the appropriate faculties for hearing Confessions present themselves willingly and generously in administering the Sacrament of Penance to all who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.” More information can be found on the USCCB website.
Participation in the Source and Summit Eucharistic Procession on June 23, 2024, fulfills the requirement to participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
As Catholics, we believe Jesus meant what he said at the Last Supper before he died, when he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19) We take it literally when he says in John 6:51, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven... and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Catholics believe that God transforms the bread that is offered at every Mass into Jesus' Body and that he remains with us in this transformed bread that we call the Eucharist. In Eucharistic processions, we respond to Jesus' call to "follow me" by following Jesus present in the Eucharist out into the world. We also pray that God will bless and bring life to the communities that we pass through. Like in Jesus' earthly life, when "large crowds followed him and he healed them there" (Matthew 19:2), we follow him and ask him to heal our hurting world.
For the safety and comfort of all and to maintain the Solemn Processions, please leave all pets at home. Only registered service animals are allowed.
Please dress according to the weather and wear comfortable footwear appropriate for a long walk on pavement. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and umbrellas are recommended.
Please bring your own water bottle and any snacks you may need. Please do not bring signs.
Eucharistic processions will continue in light rain, so please dress and prepare accordingly. In the possibility of a severe weather threat, organizers may decide to modify or cancel the event in part or in its entirety. Please watch this website for updates on the day of the event.