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The 67 victims of the January 29 air collision in Washington were commemorated during a Mass on May 28 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, Kansas. Bishop Carl A. Kemme led the service. The flight involved in the collision, operated by American Airlines and originating from Wichita, collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River.
This Mass was part of the ongoing 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which marked its tenth day on May 28 and took place in its eighth diocese. Eight young adult "perpetual pilgrims," accompanied by chaplains and carrying the Eucharist, departed from Indianapolis on May 18. They aim to reach Los Angeles by June 22 for the feast of Corpus Christi.
Their journey spans ten states with daily stops at various Catholic institutions for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, service, and fellowship.
Bishop Kemme emphasized the significance of Eucharistic processions during his homily: “Who we carry into the streets today is none other than Jesus himself,” he said. He added that while it is one thing to believe this within church walls, it is another to present this mystery publicly.
While visiting Wichita's cathedral, pilgrims also paid respects at Father Emil Kapaun's tomb. Kapaun was a U.S. Army chaplain who died in a North Korean prison camp in 1951 while ministering to prisoners of war. His cause for canonization is underway after being named "venerable" by Pope Francis in February.
Later that day, pilgrims visited The Lord’s Diner before participating in a Eucharistic healing event inside the cathedral. Ace Acuña noted witnessing faith among attendees similar to biblical accounts of healing through Jesus' presence.
In Iowa's Archdiocese of Dubuque on May 24, pilgrims led a six-mile procession between two historic rural churches and reflected upon Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli’s writings during their boat arrival into Dubuque Archdiocese earlier.
Cheyenne Johnson described her experience: “Just hearing about his faith...to be staring at our Lord (in the monstrance) was a poignant experience.” After events in Dubuque parishes including priestly ordination ceremonies attended by Franciscans Friars’ Renewal chaplains they traveled through southwest Iowa towards Kansas City-St Joseph Diocese Missouri concluding their day's journey at Camp Kateri Tekakwitha Kansas City archdiocesan area continuing further until Oklahoma dioceses end-May/early-June periods respectively
National Eucharistic Congress Inc., organizer behind these pilgrimages estimates over seven thousand participants joined initial weeklong proceedings building upon last year's inaugural convergence Indianapolis prior congress sessions July involving thirty routes designed facilitate three-year initiative US Conference Catholic Bishops since inception back ’22
Johnson shared how interactions enriched pilgrimage experiences even among unexpected joiners curious about unfolding events alongside fellow pilgrims offering spontaneous prayers confessions mid-journey revealing unique community bonds formed throughout ventures regardless background differences Frances Webber described simple yet profound moments spent sharing coffee-like conversations amidst scenic rural Kansas landscapes nurturing personal connections divinely inspired exchanges therein ultimately underscoring pilgrimage core mission revival greater spiritual awareness engagement nationwide contexts alike Maria Wiering senior writer OSV News
