It was an ordinary weekday, yet the Church filled up: Many people tried to be present for the Mass with the perpetual pilgrims, who are bringing Jesus from Brownsville to Indianapolis, for the National Eucharistic Congress. This endeavor is the first of its kind in the history of the U.S. Fr. Ignatius, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal from Bronx, NY, explained in the homily the reason for the extended procession that they undertake: first, to make people curious. “Many cars are passing by and people wonder why we are doing this.” And second: that many people can encounter God’s love. He shared about what made him convert from being a “lukewarm Catholic”: when his mother, who was the second time ill with cancer, was despite her suffering at peace. “This is how people encounter God through us – what are you so happy? Courageous? Generous? Because we have God with us.” He invited everyone at the end to share this gift, so that it is not wasted: “You know how to do it – with a smile, in any way we can love people.”
After the Mass, people followed the Eucharist from St. Gertrude to St. Martin of Tours, accompanied by songs and music from the back of a truck. The one mile lead right through Kingsville, secured by the police and noticed by many.
After benediction at the church, the perpetual pilgrims and a handful courageous parishioners continued on an extended procession to St. James Catholic Church in Bishop. The heat reached 98 degrees, a steady breeze brought some relief, yet the small group continued – praying the rosary, singing, reflecting. Many cars stopped, some wanting a blessing on the go, and people greeted from their doorsteps.
After two and a half hours, the goal was near. More parishioners from St. James joined for the last stretch, and the first long procession finished in the small Church in Bishop. The perpetual pilgrims continued to the retreat center of Our Lady of Corpus Christi, where they stay until Monday, and getting ready for an Encounter Night in Robstown.
Shayla Elm, originally from North Dakota, describes how even being tired after long hours of walking, she is so happy to be able to give witness to the world: “So far, the experience is really awesome!”