February 20, 2026

Letters to the Editor

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Criterion reader: ‘Please, do not confuse patriotism with religion’

I read a front-page headline twice in the Jan. 16 issue of The Criterion to make sure I had not misread it: “The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is back in 2026—with a patriotic twist.”

After reading the article, I still do not understand how these two concepts, eucharistic adoration and American patriotism, have been merged.

The Eucharist is a universal sacred truth, a gift to all Catholics throughout the world. To conflate the Eucharist with nationalist pride would be an insult to Jesus, who came for all of humanity.

Patriotism is a good thing. It is a love of country and democracy, and a gratitude for our freedom of religion, among other rights granted by our Constitution. It is appropriate to celebrate our country’s anniversary and to preserve our democracy. But please, do not confuse patriotism with religion.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage should be focused on the more important and separate significance of giving thanks and praise for the Eucharist.

- Anne O’Connell | Pekin

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