Bishop Martin
Abbot Placid 
Katie Knoefel
Father Stan Fortuna
BELMONT — Attention, middle and high school students: You are invited to join Bishop Michael Martin for a day of hope, inspiration and fun at the 2025 Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage on Saturday, April 12.
The teen rally and celebration – a prelude to the Diocese of Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress coming up this fall – brings together hundreds of young people to Belmont Abbey College for worship, engaging talks, fellowship, live music, food and games. This year’s theme mirrors the Jubilee Year in the Church: “Pilgrims of Hope.”
In addition to Bishop Martin, headlining this year’s event are Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey College, Catholic-based jazz and hip-hop artist Father Stan Fortuna, and motivational speaker and youth minister Katie Knoefel.
Abbot Placid has been a monk of Belmont Abbey since 1974. Today he serves as the spiritual leader for the Benedictine monastery and as chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, a top-ranked Catholic liberal arts college where he also continues to teach.
Father Fortuna is a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Bronx, New York. Ordained in 1990, he is a renowned jazz bass musician and recording artist. His primary apostolate is with youth, where he aims to inspire young people with love and enthusiasm for God and His people.
Knoefel is a North Carolina native and has worked in ministry at various parishes in the Charlotte area. A passionate evangelist and a gifted presenter, she brings a wealth of experience about encountering Jesus in our daily lives.
The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday with live music and games, motivational speakers, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession, and a Eucharistic Procession through the historic grounds of Belmont Abbey College to conclude the pilgrimage at 3 p.m.
A $20 registration fee covers lunch and an event T-shirt. Don’t miss out! Register by Wednesday, April 2.
— Catholic News Herald
Register online
At www.goeucharist.com/bishops-youth-pilgrimage: Get more information about the 2025 Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage and register to attend by April 2.
