National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Announces 2026 East Coast Route Launching from Historic St. AugustineST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Organizers of the National Eucharistic Congress have officially announced the details for the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Titled “One Nation Under God,” the upcoming pilgrimage features a historic East Coast route designed to connect Catholic heritage with American identity during the United States' semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary.
The pilgrimage will commence over Memorial Day weekend at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the U.S. From there, a select group of young adult "perpetual pilgrims" will escort the Blessed Sacrament through 18 dioceses spanning the original 13 colonies.
18 dioceses and archdioceses, include Savannah, Charleston, Charlotte, Richmond, Arlington, Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Camden, Paterson, Springfield, Manchester, Portland, Boston, Fall River, Providence and Philadelphia.
Key Milestones of the 2026 Pilgrimage:
Historical Commemorations: Features stops to honor the Franciscan Georgia Martyrs and a visit to Baltimore, the nation's premier see.
Spiritual Patronage: Placed under the patronage of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, featuring a mid-point retreat at her New York City shrine.
National Consecration: Held in solidarity with the U.S. bishops’ call to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Philadelphia Conclusion: Events wrap up July 4–5 in Philadelphia with special youth outreach, a procession to the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, and a final Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of St. Augustine expressed his excitement for the launch, noting, "The roots of Catholic faith had grown a lot in the years leading up to 1776, and this celebration is a call to embrace our legacy and carry the mission of the Gospel into the future."
The 2026 journey builds upon the ongoing momentum of the National Eucharistic Revival, which first launched in 2022 to foster deeper devotion to Christ's presence in the Eucharist.
“I was very excited when I was first contacted by the national office to begin the pilgrimage in St. Augustine,” said Bishop Erik Pohlmeier. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we want to recognize the faith that developed along with this country. The roots of Catholic faith had grown a lot in the years leading up to 1776, and this celebration is a call to embrace our legacy and carry the mission of the Gospel into the future.”“This National Eucharistic Procession is a sign of a faith that is still growing and working to bear fruit,” Bishop Pohlmeier said. “We pray for our country and for the ideals that reflect the common good of every person. May God bring peace to our land and to every human heart.”
About Our Lady of La Leche
From the beginning, the Spanish settlers carried with them a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the 1620s they built a small chapel at Mission Nombre de Dios and dedicated it to Nuestra Señora de La Leche y Buen Parto—Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery. Within the chapel they placed a statue of Mary nursing the infant Christ, a tender image that spoke of her love as both mother and protector.
The devotion quickly spread among the native peoples of Florida, including the Timucua, Guale and Apalachee, who saw in Mary’s maternal care a reflection of God’s love for his people. Since the 17th century, countless pilgrims have continued this tradition, turning to Our Lady of La Leche for help in marriage, strength in faith, the gift of children and the safe delivery of mothers in childbirth.
In 2012 the Holy See recognized the importance of this devotion by approving October 11 as the local feast day of Our Lady of La Leche for the Diocese of St. Augustine. It remains the oldest Marian devotion in the United States, alive in the hearts of pilgrims who come here seeking her intercession.
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