Pilgrims expected at 11:30 a.m. July 11.
Springfield, Ill.—Organizers for the national Eucharistic Pilgrimage passing through Mr. Lincoln’s hometown on July 11 have said we can expect the pilgrims to arrive at Sacred Heart Convent, the Dominican motherhouse at 1237 W. Monroe St, between 11:30 and Noon that day.
To join the pilgrimage at Sacred Heart Convent
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois asks that those wishing to join the pilgrimage anywhere along the route through the diocese register in advance at this link.
The pilgrimage through Springfield begins with 7:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, proceeds to Blessed Sacrament Parish, and then, through Washington Park to Sacred Heart Convent. The pilgrims processing with the Blessed Sacrament will enter Sacred Heart Convent Chapel for a brief prayer of benediction before continuing on to St. Agnes Parish nearby.
As members of the Order of Preachers, we want to share our desire to walk together with the Church as pilgrims on 'The Way' proclaiming the Good News of Jesus, the Bread of Life and Word made flesh for the life of the world.
—Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP
To hear Dominican Sisters Preach on Eucharist
To celebrate the gift of the Eucharist, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield have prepared a series of preaching on scriptures about Eucharist which are available on their website, and YouTube.
“As members of the Order of Preachers, we want to share our desire to walk together with the Church as pilgrims on “The Way” proclaiming the Good News of Jesus, the Bread of Life and Word made flesh for the life of the world,” said Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP. “Breaking open the Word of God through our preaching is a truly Dominican way to do that.” Sister Rebecca Ann is the Dominican liaison with pilgrimage organizers from the diocese.
To meet up with the sisters at the National Eucharistic Congress
Four Springfield Dominican Sisters will be present at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, July 17-20. Anyone attending the congress is welcome to stop by their booths for a visit.
Sister Rebecca Ann will be present at the LCWR booth number 939. She recently completed her term as prioress general for the Springfield Dominican Sisters. Her term of office in the presidency for Leadership Conference of Women Religious concludes at their annual conference in August.
Sister Adele Human, OP, and Sister Beth Murphy, OP, the communications director for the congregation, will represent the Springfield Dominican Sisters at booth 1017. And Sister M. Paulette Joerger, OP, a religion teacher at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional Catholic School, Herrin, Ill., will be present as a participant.
“We will be happy to meet new friends and welcome old friends and associates of the community at either booth,” Sister Beth Murphy said. “We are looking forward to talking with visitors about what it means to live the Eucharist as Catholic sisters, and to invite conversation about our vocation to consecrated life.”
The Dominican Sisters of Springfield Illinois were founded in 1873 when they began a mission to teach the children of Irish immigrant railroad workers in Jacksonville, Illinois. Their North American and Peruvian sisters serve throughout the U.S. and in Lima and Jarpa, Peru.
