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By Loretta Fulton

Catholics from across the Diocese of San Angelo are expected in Abilene this weekend for two events, including an opportunity to participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. 

The pilgrimage began in Indianapolis on May 18 and will traverse 10 states enroute to Los Angeles, where a Mass, Eucharistic procession, and festival will be held June 22. The route will go through the Diocese of San Angelo June 7-10, with stops in Abilene the weekend of June 6-7. Click here to learn more about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. 

Included in the Abilene events will be an opportunity to be one of the pilgrims, who will walk from the Abilene Convention Center to Frontier Texas Saturday afternoon, June 7. The walk will follow a Mass at the convention center, which begins at 4 p.m, led by Bishop Michael Sis. After the pilgrimage ends at Frontier Texas, buses will take participants back to the convention center, where the Knights of Columbus will serve watermelon. 

Eight “Perpetual Pilgrims” also will be part of the procession. They are a group of eight people who are making the entire 10-state pilgrimage. The following statement was made about them in a Catholic news release:

“This small, dedicated group will travel full-time from mid-May through the end of June, accompanying Jesus as he draws near to countless communities across the nation.”

The nationwide pilgrimage is the culmination of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival held by the Catholic Church. In June 2022, when the revival began, Bishop Sis issued a statement about its importance. It concluded with the following:

“The gift of the Holy Eucharist is at the core of being a Catholic Christian. It is a precious treasure, and we should never take it for granted. As we live our Eucharistic Revival over the next three years, may God help us to share this great gift with confidence, passion, and joy.”

Ralph Poyo

The bishop will begin his visit to Abilene on Friday, June 6, to participate in the annual Diocesan Charismatic Conference at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The conference begins at 6:30 p.m. with a praise and worship service.

Featured speaker for the conference will be Deacon Ralph Poyo, founder of New Evangelization Ministries, based in Georgetown, Texas. The conference will conclude at 3:30 p.m. in time for the Mass at the convention center. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene