Pilgrims will walk over 6,500 miles and will traverse four different routes, beginning on opposite sides of the country and meeting in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress July 17–21. Leaving from New Haven, Connecticut, the eastern arm of the Pilgrimage named The Seton Route will begin near the Atlantic coast, journey through our nation’s oldest diocese, make a stop at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton on June 6th, and cross the Appalachian Mountains.
The Seton Route will be punctuated by many meaningful stops. Pilgrims will visit holy sites, embrace the sacraments daily, and publicly proclaim Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist as they accompany him on his way to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. Make your plans now to meet up with this historic Pilgrimage!
Pictured Left to Right:
Amayrani Higueldo is originally from Acapulco, Guerrero Mexico and currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Amayrani recently finished her Nursing degree at Montgomery County Community College and is a first generation college graduate. Amayrani has worked in youth ministry for over 7 years at her local parish St. Patrick’s Church in Norristown, PA. Amayrani loves to hike and loves watching sports. She chose to be a Perpetual Pilgrim because she knows first hand the power of encountering Christ in the Eucharist and wants to share the joy and healing that comes with a Eucharist encounter with as many people as possible. The pilgrimage is also a great opportunity to grow deeper in love with Jesus and share in his love.
Christopher Onyiuke is a third-year student at the University of Central Florida, majoring in computer engineering. Living with his mom and sister in Orlando, he has made it his mission to volunteer and give back when he can, working with his local Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army as well tutoring elementary schoolers. He chose to be a Perpetual Pilgrim because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the larger faith body in America in a very unique way. He enjoys reading, working out, learn new languages and dishes, and spending time with his family.
Marina Frattaroli, from Dallas, TX, joined the Catholic Church in December 2022. She is a 2024 graduate from Columbia Law School and is a parishioner at Notre Dame Church in New York City. Marina enjoys visiting art museums and spending time with her family and friends. Founder of Columbia Law School Catholics, she will continue to pursue law in NYC after the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
Dominic Carstens is an avid outdoorsman hailing from the mountains of Wyoming, where he attends Wyoming Catholic College. Driven by a desire to see God in creation, Dominic wishes to further his encounter with Christ in adoration and in the many faces of the bustling cities of the East. Through his experience leading fellow adventurers in the wilderness, Dominic hopes to provide his fellow pilgrims with an encounter more breathtaking than climbing a mountain. By following Christ, he wishes to ascend to the heights!
Natalie Garza is a Texas native who now hangs her hat in Kansas City. Since graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Natalie has been teaching high school theology at St. James Academy. When she is not lesson planning, Natalie can be found fiddling with her guitar, perfecting her tennis serve, or wandering around Trader Joe’s. This summer, Natalie will be walking alongside Jesus, expressing with her body the truth she professes with her words: Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist! Keep her in your prayers. St. John the Baptist, pray for her.
Zoe Dongas is a Filipino-American actor, musician, and game night enthusiast based in New York City. Originally from Nashville, TN, she holds a BM in Music Theatre and a minor in International Studies from Oklahoma City University. Zoe aspires to grow closer to the person of Christ in the people she encounters and the stories she tells. Currently, she works in the Office of Young Adult Outreach of the Archdiocese of New York and is the Board Secretary of Catholic Artist Connection. She is honored to accompany our Lord across the country and looks forward to the many sacred and silly moments ahead.
