Eucharistic Pilgrimage Faces Anti-Catholic Protests, Pilgrims Urged to Respond with Peace and Prayer
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a key event of the Eucharistic revival, is encountering anti-Catholic protests along its route. Pilgrims in Oklahoma, specifically along the St. Katharine Drexel Route, have faced counter-protests using anti-Catholic rhetoric. In response, organizers are calling for pilgrims to maintain peace, humility, and prayer. The pilgrimage, which began in Indianapolis and will conclude in Los Angeles, aims to promote faith and devotion through public processions and prayer.
about 1 month ago
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a journey intended to bring Christ to the streets, encountered anti-Catholic protests in Tulsa, Oklahoma 1 2. The St. Katharine Drexel Route, which began in Indianapolis, was met with demonstrators expressing anti-Catholic sentiments 1 2.
In response to the protests, leaders urged the Eucharistic pilgrims to maintain peace, humility, and prayer 1 2. Pilgrims were seen ignoring the demonstrations and continuing their procession with the Blessed Sacrament 1 2.
Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, stated that resistance was expected and emphasized a message of conversion and hope 1 2. The organizers' prayerful message to the protesters was one of conversion and hope 1.
The protests began with a few demonstrators and grew to approximately 50 people 1 2. Despite the opposition, organizers estimate that 17,000 to 20,000 people have participated in the procession thus far 1 2. The pilgrimage is scheduled to continue through Oklahoma City, Texas, and the Southwest, eventually concluding in Los Angeles 1 2.
The Church teaches how to respond to religious persecution.
The Catholic Church addresses how to respond to religious persecution through teachings, examples of saints, and calls to action. These responses encompass courage, perseverance, witness, and hope .
Persecution is defined as unlawful coercion or punishment inflicted because of religion . It can range from subtle forms like slander and ridicule to overt acts of violence and even death . The Church recognizes that persecution is not just a historical reality but continues today in various forms around the world .
In summary, the Church's teachings on responding to religious persecution emphasize the importance of religious freedom, the need for courage and perseverance, the call to bear witness to the faith, and the hope found in Christ's Resurrection.