The moment the huge procession threaded through downtown Charleston and poured through the gates of Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the sound of pealing and chiming bells filled the air.
There were Knights of Columbus in black berets wearing purple, blue or ivory sashes, some carrying swords, women in lace scarves, priests carrying gold lanterns, nuns singing, children in white robes, babies in strollers and volunteers in red shirts ready to hand anyone daunted by the heat bottles of cold water.
Near the four men carrying a snowy canopy, a priest carried the eucharist in a beautiful golden sunburst-shaped vessel.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage traveled through Charleston May 28 at 7 p.m., part of a 2,200 mile trek from Florida to Maine blessing most of the original colonies for America’s 250th birthday.
In Maine, the pilgrims “will turn and head down to Philadelphia to end there on July 4th,” spokesperson Anne Clark said.
The pilgrimage will pause in different locations for eucharistic processions and other events. On May 29 it was scheduled to be in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
In Charleston May 28, a thunderstorm’s lightning blasted through the hot, humid evening right before procession that proceeded under gray skies. But the mood was joyful.
Charleston attorney Tyler Wicks, 27, wore a Knights of Columbus sash and looked unwilted by the steamy heat.
“My faith keeps me cool,” Wicks quipped.
The eucharist is carried in golden shaped vessel as the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage travels through Charleston Thursday May 29, 2026, part of a 2,200 mile trek from Florida to Maine blessing most of the original colonies for America’s 250th birthday.
Provided/Doug Deas/The Miscellany
Wicks said eucharist processions are meant to bless a city and the crowds who see them. A former Chicagoan, Wicks says many Gen Zers are returning to the Catholic Church, some inspired by Chicago-bred Pope Leo. Despite President Donald Trump’s occasional public disagreements with Pope Leo, Wicks said “faith transcends politics. Really, I believe that faith is a stronger bond … We’re brothers and sisters in faith.”
Wicks said his own faith is inspired by the Vicar General of St. John the Baptist, the Rev. Gregory Wilson, who graduated with a college degree in biology before becoming a priest. He greeted Spanish-speaking families fluently.