May 19th Mass and Procession

On May 19th, Catholics from across the upper Midwest will celebrate Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost to be followed by the beginning of the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.  The pilgrimage will proceed over the next three months towards Indianapolis, Indiana, the site of the National Eucharistic Congress.

The Mass will be held near the North Entrance of Itasca State Park at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers location (16879 North Entrance Drive, Shevlin, MN).  The Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be held outdoors.  After Mass concludes, the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will begin by processing the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance into Itasca State Park. Near the headwaters of the Mississippi River, a solemn Benediction will occur.  Those attending the Mass may wish to join in the procession to the site of the Benediction (about ¾ mile walk). After the Benediction, a smaller group of pilgrims will continue processing the Blessed Sacrament towards LaPorte, Minnesota where the first day of the procession will conclude.
SOME INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE ATTENDING THE MASS:
– There is no registration to attend the Mass.
– Parking is available on site. With Mass beginning at 10:00 we ask that everyone arrive by 9:40 so that you have time to park and move to the location for the Mass.
– Seating will not be provided. You will need to bring your own lawn or folding camping chair.

– Plan for the weather- temperatures on this date range from a low of 46 to a high of 78. Given that the Mass is in the morning, plan for cooler temeratures.