There are hundreds of opportunities for Catholics to join the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for Mass, adoration, processions and other events. However, casually meeting up with perpetual pilgrims along the four routes may be trickier, and is even prohibited along certain sections of the journey, according to pilgrimage leaders.

Separate lawsuits filed by the U.S. Justice Department and civil rights groups claim that the state of Iowa’s new immigration law, which creates a state crime for unlawful reentry, violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin told reporters May 15 that the Vatican would be present in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, June 15-16 for an international summit organized to work toward peace in Ukraine.

In a previously unpublicized visit, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, entered the Gaza Strip May 16, reaching Holy Family Parish for his first pastoral visit since the outbreak of Israel-Hamas war following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

The routes’ 24 “perpetual pilgrims,” along with their priest chaplains and seven seminarians will accompany the Eucharist, exposed in a monstrance, as they travel — often on foot — across the United States.

Catholic bishops have expressed shock and promised prayers as Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico fights for his life after being shot multiple times May 15.

Voting is an act of conscience and should be discerned as such, panelists said at a May 14 webinar organized by the U.S. bishops’ conference and other Catholic groups.

The 10th National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21 in Indianapolis is an opportunity to “come together in faith, as brothers and sisters,” said Jaime Reyna, who is responsible for the congress’ multiculturalism and inclusiveness.

Beginning on Pentecost May 19, the Marian Route is one of four National Pilgrimage Routes that will converge in Indianapolis ahead of the July 17-21 National Eucharistic Congress. The pilgrimage and the congress are part of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that launched in 2022.

Pope Francis, who was ordained to the priesthood 54 years ago, encouraged senior priests in the Diocese of Rome to be “witnesses of memory,” sharing their faith and experiences with younger clergy and not being afraid to argue with them from time to time.