By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Mar 6, 2025 / 15:05 pm
The National Eucharistic Congress recently revealed the names of the eight Perpetual Pilgrims who will embark on a 3,300-mile walking pilgrimage with the Eucharistic Jesus from Indianapolis to Los Angeles this summer, starting in May.
The latest National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, known as the Drexel Route, was announced in mid-February, with the biographies of the pilgrims being posted online this week.
This year’s pilgrimage is a follow-up to last year’s extraordinary four simultaneous Eucharistic pilgrimages that culminated in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024.
The primary aim of these pilgrimages is to publicly demonstrate the truth of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
The Drexel Route will kick off with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis on Sunday, May 18, before heading northwest through Illinois to Iowa, then southwest through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ultimately California.
Over 250,000 individuals encountered the pilgrimages last summer, and this year, a small group of young adult Perpetual Pilgrims will accompany the Eucharist for the entire journey, with opportunities for others to join for portions of the route.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage website features biographies of each of the eight Perpetual Pilgrims undertaking this pilgrimage.
Arthur “Ace” Acuña, a graduate of Princeton University with a degree in chemical and biological engineering, is one of the Perpetual Pilgrims hailing from Las Vegas.
Welcome to the world of inspiring individuals who are on a mission to spread the joys of the Catholic faith! Meet Stephen Fuhrmann, a dedicated member of the Aquinas Institute at Princeton University. Hailing from Lindsay, Texas, Stephen is pursuing a degree in agricultural business at Texas A&M University. His profound love for Jesus in the Eucharist blossomed during his college years, driving his passion to share the beauty of the Catholic faith with fellow students.
Next, we have Johnathan “Johnny” Silvino Hernandez-Jose, a compassionate soul from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Johnny actively participates in his family’s construction business and is deeply involved in various service initiatives within his diocese. He lends his support to confirmation programs, young adult groups, and a ministry dedicated to the Hispanic community.
Joining this remarkable group is Cheyenne Johnson, a spirited individual originally from Lakeland, Florida, who now resides in Indianapolis. She serves as the director of Catholic campus ministry at Butler University and has a heartwarming conversion story to Catholicism.
Leslie Reyes-Hernandez, a dedicated educator from Phoenix, found solace in Christ’s love through the Eucharist during her college years. She now teaches algebra at a public high school and actively participates in college ministry at the Grand Canyon University Newman Center.
Rachel Levy, a resilient individual from small-town Indiana, decided to transition into full-time ministry after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in marketing. She currently works with the Office of Young Adult and College Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, guiding young adults on their faith journey.
Frances Webber, a theology and business student from Virginia now residing in Minnesota, is a shining example of dedication. She works with the Center for Catholic Social Thought and is actively involved with Saint Paul’s Outreach.
Lastly, we have Charlie McCullough, a recent graduate from Texas A&M University. Charlie is the only returning pilgrim of the 2025 cohort, having completed the southern Juan Diego Route last year. This year, he takes on the role of team leader for the Drexel Route, showcasing his unwavering commitment to serving the Catholic community.
As we reflect on the journey of these remarkable individuals, let us embrace the spirit of openness to God’s transformative work in our lives. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, igniting a passion for sharing the love of Christ with the world.
