National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Concludes in Philadelphia

July 07, 2026

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage "One Nation Under God," dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, concluded with a Solemn Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Philadelphia, the birthplace of American Independence.

Most Rev. Nelson Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, presided over the liturgical celebrations, along with Most Rev. Erik T. Pohlmeier, Bishop of St. Augustine, FL, where the pilgrimage began; Most Rev. Andrew Williams, Bishop of Camden; and the auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

At the beginning of the Mass, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, addressed all those gathered in the Basilica through a video message, underscoring that the Eucharist is the source of true unity.

After the Mass, the procession of clergy, religious, and numerous faithful moved along Vine Street, North Broad Street, and Girard Avenue, from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann, the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia and, so far, the only American bishop to be canonized.

The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia was represented by Rev. Volodymyr Radko, Vocations Director of the Archeparchy, who concelebrated the Mass and joined the procession, along with about 1,500 pilgrims, through the streets of the City of Brotherly Love.