What is the Source and Summit Eucharistic Procession?
The Source and Summit Eucharistic Procession is part of the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) — one of four routes making their way to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Find out more about the NEP and the National Eucharistic Congress here.
Where does the procession begin?
The procession begins at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with Mass at 9 a.m. followed by the procession. Participants are asked to gather in the Cathedral for Mass if they wish to walk in the first segment of procession from the Cathedral to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Where does the procession end?
The procession ends at the Saint Francis de Sales Seminary with Midday Prayer & Benediction at approximately 2:45 p.m. Please join us for light refreshments on the Seminary grounds after the closing prayer service.
Does it cost anything to participate in the procession? Do I have to register?
There is no cost to participate in the procession. However, we ask participants to please register for the procession using this link and for the Shuttle Bus using this link. Pre-registration assists organizers in planning.
How long is the procession?
The full procession from the Cathedral to the Seminary is 6.7 miles. Participants are welcome to join us for the entire procession or for a portion as their ability allows. Know that there will not be any organized prayers or hymns during the walk, other than at the stops. Feel free to start prayers with those around you as you process. Even if you are farther away from the Eucharist and cannot see, you are still walking with Jesus.
Will there be stops along the way?
Yes, the procession will stop at Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Stanislaus, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, and Immaculate Conception. See here for estimated times: https://www.archmil.org/pilgrimage/June23
I heard that Archbishop Jerome Listecki gave a special invitation for recent First Communicants to participate. Is there a separate registration process for this?
There is no separate registration for recent First Communicants and their families. Please use the regular registration link and have your child come dressed in their First Communion attire (with necessary accommodations for the weather and a long walk).
If you plan to join us at the beginning of the procession at the Cathedral, there will be instructions onsite for the recent First Communicants and their families to gather in one area so that they may process together as a group near the front. We recognize that 6.7 miles is a long distance and not everyone will be able to keep the same pace or walk the entire procession, so the procession will start out with the First Communicants and their families walking as a group, but we know that after a while they will intermingle with all the participants. If you plan to join us later (at one of our parish stops), there won’t be a formal place for the First Communicants to join the procession, so you and your family can join in at any time or place among the faithful.
Where can I park?
Free parking will be available at the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center (3501 S Lake Drive) for those using the Shuttle Bus–please register for the bus HERE. Street parking may be available around any of our parish stops and is free in the City of Milwaukee on Sunday. If you are not walking the full route, you are welcome to park on local side streets (observing all parking regulations) and join the procession as you are able. Be sure to allow plenty of time to find a parking space.
How do I get back to my car after the procession?
If you register to use the free shuttle bus from the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center to the Cathedral and walk in the full procession to the Seminary, you will end at your car (the Seminary is next door to the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center). If you register for the free shuttle bus from a parish stop along the way, it will transport participants back to the previous parish where they started. If you decide not to complete the procession, the procession is located on Milwaukee City Bus routes or participants may choose to arrange their own alternate transportation with a service such as LYFT or UBER.
Will there be restrooms available?
Yes, restrooms will be available at all parish stops along the procession route.
Will drinking water be available?
Yes, limited, free drinking water and snacks will be available at all parish stops. Please plan to bring your own water and own snacks as needed.
Do I need to walk the entire procession route?
No. Participants are welcome to join and leave the procession at any point along the way. Please know your limits and participate as you are able. (Please note: shuttle buses will only be transporting participants back to the previous parish)
Are pets allowed?
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.
How should I dress?
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.
What should I bring?
Please bring your own water bottle and any snacks you may need. Please do not bring signs.
What happens if it rains?
The procession 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.
I heard there’s a plenary indulgence for those who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. What does that mean? Does that include the Source and Summit Eucharistic Procession?
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.
Where do I find more information?
Go to www.archmil.org/Pilgrimage for more information about the National Eucharistic Procession while it’s in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.