Special Content

: Published: 07 April 2019

BELMONT — “You have come on pilgrimage to Belmont Abbey today. It is a trip that you have made with a holy purpose in mind,” Bishop Jugis told the more than 1,400 people who participated in the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage April 6 at Belmont Abbey.

“What is the holy purpose for being here? It is to be with Jesus. To spend time with Jesus is the purpose of pilgrimage,” he said during the Holy Hour homily at the all-day event.

The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage, held each spring, is designed to provide young people of the Diocese of
Charlotte with a day of reflection, prayer, formation, vocation awareness and fellowship. It is a component of the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the 15th annual event shares the 2019 congress theme: “Stay With Us, Lord,” which is based on the words of the Gospel of Luke (24:29).

This passage is the account of two dejected disciples on the road to Emmaus after leaving Jerusalem after Christ was crucified and died.

“As they are approaching the town, what do the disciples say to Jesus? ‘Stay with us. It is nearly evening,’” recounted Bishop Jugis. He relayed to the youth that in a sense that is a prayer which they uttered to Jesus – a petition.

“Isn’t it great that Jesus decided to be with us always, all days, until the end of time?” Bishop Jugis asked.

“Isn’t it great then, that because Jesus is with us always, you are never alone, because Jesus promises always to be with you?

“Isn’t it great that you today are able to repeat those words that the disciples said recorded in this Gospel? That you can say, ‘Stay with us’? That you can say, ‘Stay with me, Jesus’?”

The day-long pilgrimage included confession, midday prayer, specific talks geared toward middle school and high school students, as well as Eucharistic Adoration and an outdoor Eucharistic Procession.
Bishop Jugis also preached on Our Lord’s presence in the Holy Eucharist during his Holy Hour homily.

“Let’s take a look at the Holy Eucharist. (This is) the most special and extraordinary way that He stays with us, by Himself being really present in the Blessed Sacrament.

“What an answer to prayer that is, when we say ‘Stay with us’ … His Real Presence. Jesus says, ‘OK, I will stay with you.’

“What a gift He has given to each one of us.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. Photos by SueAnn Howell andDoreen Sugierski, Catholic News Herald