A historic cross-country pilgrimage is coming to eastern Iowa, offering a rare and moving opportunity to reflect on faith, community, and the presence of Christ. The 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will pass through the Diocese of Davenport from May 21 to 23, with events planned in Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Washington, Riverside, Iowa City, and Davenport.

The pilgrimage, part of a national initiative from the U.S. Catholic Church, is making its way from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. Along the way, participants are walking and praying through cities and towns, stopping for public events that invite people from all walks of life to encounter the heart of the Catholic faith.

In Riverside, the procession will begin at St. Mary Catholic Church, 51 St. Mary’s Street, with exposition at noon, and then proceed through Riverside to the Old Railway Walking Trail, ending at St. Francis Veterinary Clinic, 3030 IA-22. The 1.7-mile procession will include several stops for times of prayer; bus transportation will be provided from the clinic back to St. Mary Catholic Church at 2 p.m. In case of inclement weather, there will be a prolonged time of Eucharistic Adoration at St. Mary Catholic Church.

“It’s a wonderful honor for us to welcome this pilgrimage into our diocese,” said Bishop Dennis Walsh, Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport. “Whether you're Catholic or not, we hope people across eastern Iowa will come out to experience this moment—one that brings people together in hope, prayer, and joy. We encourage everyone to be part of it and share it with their neighbors.”

Events will take place across several communities each day. On Wednesday, May 21, the pilgrimage will stop in Burlington, West Burlington, and Mount Pleasant. On Thursday, May 22, gatherings will be held in Washington, Riverside, Iowa City, and Davenport. On Friday, May 23, the final day of the local visit, events will be centered at

St. Anthony Catholic Church in Davenport.

The pilgrimage is an opportunity to reconnect with something deeper, especially in a world that often feels noisy and divided. Organizers say it is a reminder that we all hunger for meaning, for connection, and for love that lasts.

Bishop Walsh emphasized the potential to bring people together in a time when unity is often hard to find.

“This pilgrimage reminds us that faith isn’t just something private — it’s something we’re called to live out in the world,” he said. “Walking together, praying together, being present to one another, that’s how we show the world what hope looks like.”

All events are open to the public. For more information and to register for specific events, please visit the official event page at www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org.