To answer the call of the US Bishops, who declared a three-year Eucharistic Revival in America that began in June 2022, the Diocese of Orange will host the I AM Eucharistic Congress at Christ Cathedral on Oct. 21.

In the months leading up to this great Revival, the Diocese’s Youth Ministry will hold several Eucharistic Pilgrimages to promote the event, build anticipation and bring awareness to its mission.

The first pilgrimage took place on May 13.

The 4-mile journey began at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, proceeded to Mission Basilica Catholic Church in San Juan Capistrano and concluded at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel.

Sam Kofoed, a sophomore at JSerra Catholic High School, who was recently confirmed, served as the cross bearer during the pilgrimage from St. Edward’s. He was joined by his parents.

The procession included an entourage of other young people, parents, church volunteers and Jesus Christ, as present in the Eucharist, which was carried in the monstrance.

Along the way, they sang, prayed and recited the Rosary in English and Spanish.

And at each church, another group of youngsters and adult volunteers took over and proceeded onto the next leg of the pilgrimage.

“It was really life changing,” Kofoed said. “It was really enjoyable to do.”

As is customary, the Eucharist was protected beneath a processional canopy, held up on all four corners by poles carried by young parishioners.

“I loved it, just walking side by side with Jesus,” said St. Edward the Confessor parishioner Miguel Tiscareno, 18, who held a pole on one corner of the canopy. “It was a beautiful experience.”

Tiscareno serves as a musician during Sunday Mass.

“I’m trying to grow my spiritual life more,” he said.

Adult volunteers wearing orange safety vests accompanied the procession and vehicles carrying first aid supplies followed.

Between the youngsters and adult volunteers, about 50 people took part in the day’s event.

The pilgrimage was organized by Laura Schuberg, coordinator of the Youth Ministry at the Diocese of Orange….

From OC Catholic