By the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
Happy Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel! We missed being with you dear Sisters, and you were very much present with us this day! Today, YOU completed the Eucharistic Pilgrimage with us in Indianapolis! We joined 3 groups: the Serra, Seton and Marian routes which ended at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The pilgrims have processed with the Blessed Sacrament for 60 days across the nation, and we were honored to complete the last 3 miles with them!
We arrived at St. Phillip Neri parish around 8:30am and were immediately greeted by Father Roger Landry and the Sisters who have been accompanying Jesus throughout the entire Seton Route (The Daughters of Mary Mother of Healing Love). After some quiet time of prayer in the Church, Father gave a beautiful catechesis on the “structure” of a pilgrimage and shared that after the crucifix, religious process first because they are the visible sign of the Church. That reality became so “real” for us as we witnessed the Daughters of Mary Mother of Healing Love literally run ahead to every unsuspecting onlooker and explain that Jesus was about to pass by them. It was deeply moving to think of how many souls have caught a glimpse of the Good Shepherd and offered a simple prayer as He has made his way throughout the entire nation. As we turned the final corner of the journey, we sang “We want to see Jesus lifted high” and joined the other pilgrims on the steps of St. John’s for Benediction prior to the closing Mass of the pilgrimage.
People gathered to welcome Jesus and the perpetual pilgrims as they arrived at St. John the Evangelist Church final stop for all four pilgrimage routes.
It was so moving to watch the perpetual pilgrims for each of the routes accompany Our Lord into St. John the Evangelist Church for the final benediction and reposition. Afterwards, they all hugged each other and were joined by organizers of the pilgrimage including Bishop Cozzens. There were many smiles and tears. The concluding Mass of the Pilgrimage was powerful- the Church was filled to capacity and there was so much joy in the congregation. The liturgy was presided over by the Archbishop of Indianapolis and several other bishops including the Cardinal delegate from the Holy Father.
We had the blessing of meeting Joe and Anne Sanders at the Church. They generously treated us for lunch. We ended our day with an adventure on the city bus back to Butler University.
“The adventure begins when you step onto the bus.”
“Life’s a journey with Christ, not a destination. Enjoy the ride!”