CHARLOTTE — Catholics across the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to join a nationwide celebration of faith and history as the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage visits western North Carolina Saturday to Tuesday, May 30-June 2.
Themed “One Nation Under God,” the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will stop at five churches in the diocese as it journeys 1,500 miles up the East Coast to Philadelphia for the Fourth of July and America’s 250th anniversary.
This year’s route is named after St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint. The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Florida, and ends near Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
“The Catholic Church has been a major part of our country’s history, and this pilgrimage gives us an opportunity to link to the greater Church, going forth in discipleship as we are called,” said Deacon Jim Bozik of St. Peter Parish in Charlotte, who is co-organizing diocesan festivities.
The “monstrance-mobile” – featuring a window allowing people to view the Blessed Sacrament – and nine young adult “perpetual pilgrims” will stop first at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe after crossing into the diocese from South Carolina. There, people can meet the pilgrims and join them for a Holy Hour and Mass. Churches in Charlotte, Statesville and Greensboro will also host the pilgrimage with Holy Hours and Masses. All are welcome.
For pilgrims Mary Carmen Zakrajsek and Raymond Martinez, the journey is both spiritual and personal.
“I am excited to meet all these Catholic communities,” Martinez said. “We want the entire nation to experience Our Lord through the Eucharist. We will carry your prayer intentions and place them at the foot of the monstrance in prayer. Eventually we will leave them at the altar with Christ after our last procession.”
On Sunday, May 31, Bishop Michael Martin will celebrate Mass at St. Peter Church in Charlotte, the oldest active parish in the diocese, followed by a meet-and-greet with the pilgrims.
Sunday evening, people can enjoy a free theater screening of “Cabrini,” the film about the saint’s advocacy for immigrants and the Church’s role in American history. St. Matthew, the diocese’s largest parish, will co-sponsor the exclusive screening. Advance ticket reservations are required.
Like Mother Cabrini, diocesan co-organizer Deacon Herb Quintanilla is an immigrant, and he sees the pilgrimage as a celebration of both faith and opportunity.
“Everyone comes to America to have a better life, a safer life. This is one of the greatest countries in the world because if you work hard and study, you can make it,” said Deacon Quintanilla, who moved from El Salvador. “This is an immigrant country, and that is why we have so many Catholics – the Irish, the Italians, the Polish, and the Latin Americans. This country has grown up Catholic.”
Zakrajsek said the pilgrimage also reflects the spiritual journey of the nation itself.
“Just like us as pilgrims walking this route, our country is also on pilgrimage. We are going to follow Him through the streets. We are going to bring Him to the poor. We are going to fall on our knees before Him in worship. This is an opportunity to live out the Gospel, to be united as a country, and to ask Him to bless us and to heal us, one soul at a time.”
— Lisa M. Geraci
More online
At www.charlottediocese.org/national-eucharistic-pilgrimage: Get details about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as it passes through the Diocese of Charlotte, including Mass and Holy Hour times, locations, movie screening reservations, and more.
Don’t miss this historic event!
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will stop in the Diocese of Charlotte at:
- SATURDAY, MAY 30 – Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe: Eucharistic Adoration from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., followed by 5 p.m. Mass
- SUNDAY, MAY 31 – St. Peter Church in Charlotte: Mass with Bishop Michael Martin at 9 a.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with the pilgrims
- SUNDAY, MAY 31 – St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte: 2 p.m. Spanish Mass, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and procession
- MONDAY, JUNE 1 – St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville: 9 a.m. Mass, followed by Eucharistic Adoration
- MONDAY-TUESDAY, JUNE 1-2 – St. Pius X Church in Greensboro: 4-5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and procession from 3:45-4:15 p.m., followed by 5:15 p.m. Mass; and 8:30 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, June 2. (Consider bringing a non-perishable item for the Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Pantry.)
Note: Parishes may add other events – please see each parish’s website or bulletin for details.
Watch ‘Cabrini’
Take the family out Sunday, May 31, to enjoy a free, exclusive screening of the hit movie about Mother Cabrini – patron of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage – at Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen in Charlotte. Seating is limited; advance ticket reservations required (no walk-ins).
Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Co-sponsored by St. Matthew Parish. Reserve your seat online at www.charlottediocese.org/national-eucharistic-pilgrimage,