WILMINGTON, DE — As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, a cross-country Catholic pilgrimage centered on faith, history, and national identity will pass through Delaware next summer, with the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington set to play a key role.
The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington announced it will participate in the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will run from Memorial Day through July 5, 2026, under the theme “One Nation Under God.” The pilgrimage will honor St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized a saint, as dioceses along the Eastern seaboard unite in a public expression of faith.
The 2026 pilgrimage coincides with celebrations marking the nation’s Semiquincentennial and will culminate in Philadelphia on July 5, 2026. Organizers say the final destination underscores the city’s historic role in the nation’s founding and the broader themes of religious freedom and unity.
The route will pass through the Diocese of Wilmington from June 11 through June 12. Pilgrims and a support vehicle will be received from the Archdiocese of Baltimore on June 11, before the Wilmington diocese hands off the next leg of the journey to the Diocese of Camden the following day.
Bishop William E. Koenig said the diocese’s participation carries special meaning given its geographic and historical footprint.
“As Bishop of the Diocese that encompasses Delaware, the first State, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, both rich in Catholic tradition and American history, I am grateful that the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will include the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington,” Koenig said. He added that the pilgrimage offers an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the Catholic faith as the nation marks its 250th year.
Koenig said the theme “One Nation Under God” is intended to highlight the unifying role of faith and the Gospel mission to proclaim the Good News, particularly at a time of national reflection.
The 2026 event follows similar pilgrimages held in 2024 and 2025, which church leaders described as successful efforts to bring public attention to Eucharistic devotion and community engagement across diocesan lines.
More detailed information about the exact route and events planned within the Diocese of Wilmington is expected in the coming months. Local updates will be posted at https://cdow.org and https://thedialog.org. Additional information about the national effort is available at https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org.
Established in 1868, the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington includes 54 parishes, 20 missions, and 29 schools serving the State of Delaware and nine counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
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