‘Source and Summit Tour 2022’: DCCW sponsors eucharistic pilgrimage Aug. 4

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring a pilgrimage across the diocese Thursday, Aug. 4, to promote the National Eucharistic Revival.

Whether it’s a picnic at the Grasshopper Chapel in Cold Spring or a tour to visit the unique statue of Mary tucked away in the hills of Millerville, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women loves getting creative to offer pilgrimage opportunities for both women and men around the diocese to journey together in faith.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”14″] Bus schedule

A coach bus will be available. Must register by July 15. Stops include:

  • Sauk Centre: 6:00 a.m.
  • Freeport: 6:30 a.m.
  • St. Joseph Park and Ride: 6:45 a.m.
  • Cost for bus: $20.00
  • Call Jean Zwilling for reservations at 320-492-7069. [/perfectpullquote]

Jean Zwilling, a member of the DCCW, bears the title of Church Commission chair, a title she’s held since 2016. In that role, she is responsible for continuing the education of faith, enhancing prayer and providing resources for spiritual enhancement. And as such, she has coordinated several of the DCCW’s annual pilgrimages.

“Every year, we experience places within our diocese that a lot of people hear about but don’t know how to go about seeing them,” Zwilling said. “As with most pilgrimages, people pray, share a meal, listen to speakers and socialize.”

The pandemic put the tours on a temporary hold. Zwilling said the DCCW is excited to offer a special pilgrimage this year — the Source and Summit Tour 2022 — to mark the beginning of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative of the U.S. bishops to energize and educate people about the Eucharist.

“In this world of craziness we live in, it is so nice to gather with faith-filled people to pray and experience the beauty and richness of our Catholic faith right here in our diocese. With the start of the Eucharistic Revival, it seems appropriate to visit some of our churches that have chapels specifically set aside for adoration of the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our faith,” she said.

The tour, which is focusing on the Eastern region of the diocese this year, is happening Thursday, Aug. 4. It begins with 8 a.m. Mass at St. Louis Parish in Foreston. Father Derek Wiechmann will be the celebrant.

“Our diocese is blessed with many eucharistic adoration chapels,” Father Wiechmann said. “I am happy to invite this group to St. Anne’s Adoration Chapel in Foreston as part of their pilgrimage. I am convinced that if people truly believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, lives will be changed!”

From there, pilgrims will trek to Isanti, where they will visit St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, have lunch and hear a message, “Do this in remembrance of me,” from Father Don Wagner.

“As the source and summit of our Catholic faith, we are very happy to receive pilgrims at St. Elizabeth’s to explore deeper into the mystery of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,” Father Wagner said. “One way we do that is by simply opening our hearts and minds to him in prayer. We joyfully welcome those participating in this pilgrimage.”

The final leg of the journey lands at St. Andrew Church in Elk River. Father Mark Innocenti will welcome the group with a message and pray with them.

“The Church of St. Andrew is pleased to join in the DCCW-hosted eucharistic pilgrimage on Aug. 4. We see it as a great opportunity to share together and promote the blessings and great gift of the Eucharist,” Father Mark said.

“The mystery of the Eucharist is so profound for us. In the liturgy of the Mass, we come in contact with the once-and-for-all, ‘eternal’ sacrifice of Christ offered to the Father in the Holy Spirit, truly present in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, which brings the grace of salvation to the world. How beautiful for us to participate, to be nourished, blessed and sent.”

All are welcome to join in at any of the stops. Those joining for the lunch in Isanti must register with Zwilling in advance. A coach bus from the west side of the diocese will be available for $20. (Please see the bus schedule and route.) For more information, contact Zwilling at 320- 492-7069.

“My prayer and hope for this pilgrimage, as in all the others I’ve organized, is to bring people closer to Jesus and our Catholic faith,” Zwilling said. “In this Eucharistic Revival, I pray that when the host and chalice are lifted at consecration time, everyone can truly say with all their heart, mind, body and soul, ‘My Lord and my God!’”

Author: Kristi Anderson

Kristi Anderson is the editor of The Central Minnesota Catholic Magazine for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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