Couple dubbed Mom and Dad by pilgrims follow Eucharistic procession

July 8, 2024

The perpetual pilgrims call the Allens Mom and Dad, but Debbie and Andy Allen don’t mind.

After a five-mile walk between Council Bluffs and Glenwood, the couple relaxed in the air conditioning at Holy Rosary Parish in Glenwood and enjoyed a bountiful lunch before a holy hour.

As the couple tags along the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in their RV, they feel spiritually fulfilled while also being of service to the perpetual pilgrims and Franciscan friars carrying the Blessed Sacrament across the country on the St. Junipero Serra route.

The couple homeschooled seven children on the West Coast. Now retired, they’d heard about the national Eucharistic pilgrimage that would have perpetual pilgrims accompany the Blessed Sacrament from four corners of the United States -- through mountains, over rivers, and big and small towns -- converging in Indianapolis for the country’s first Eucharistic Congress, which begins July 17.

“A lot of people think we’re crazy,” said Debbie. “(Friends asked) why would you do that at this time of year?”

They felt drawn to the pilgrimage. Having walked the famous Camino de Santiago path in Spain, Andy and Debbie were excited about being a part of the Eucharistic pilgrimage and the route that started in San Francisco and moved East across the country.

“It’s the longest pilgrimage in the United States,” said Debbie. “We don’t have to go to Spain. We’d much rather do a pilgrimage in the United States with Jesus.”

The Allens park their RV in church parking lots and run errands for the perpetual pilgrims, who are young adults.

“This is the kind of thing, when you retire, you want to do,” she said.

Andy is impressed with the hospitality and the size of the crowds in the small towns.

“The small parishes are so excited. It’s great to feel the excitement,” he said.

_{Placemats at Holy Rosary Parish hall in Glenwood welcomed pilgrims accompanying the Blessed Sacrament from San Francisco to Indianapolis for the national Eucharistic Congress.}