Nebraska
‘Breathtaking’: Through the Cornfields With Jesus in Nebraska Eucharistic Pilgrimage
The procession began quietly, with just the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel. The air was thick with incense, heavy with east Nebraska’s summer humidity and dust from the road.
The silence was soon broken with the sound of bells and the voices of pilgrims and processors as they sang, “O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine,” and followed Christ in the Eucharist.
The procession — part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage taking place across the United States — traveled from Cloisters on the Platte, an Ignatian silent retreat center near Omaha, to the Shrine of the Holy Family, a wayside chapel beloved by locals and travelers alike.
The route followed a gravel road, visible from Interstate 80, which crossed through cornfields amid the distant hum of semitrucks and cars. Travelers on the Midwestern highway would find the spectacle an unusual sight — well over 500 Catholics quietly following a priest holding the Eucharist aloft under its canopy.
The pace was quick considering the summer heat and despite stops at the occasional water bottle stations set up along the road, and the nearly five-mile procession was arduous. A voice would frequently call out loudly for the crowd to move to one side to allow a car or truck to pass.
At the end of the procession, Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, known by his faithful flock as “our Star Wars archbishop,” joked that while he began thinking of the pilgrimage as payment for his sins, he didn’t realize “just how many there were.”
The procession was part of the Junipero Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which began on the California coast more than a month ago. It is one of four national pilgrimages moving across the nation with the Eucharist, set to meet in Indianapolis in July for the National Eucharistic Congress.
It was also the meeting of two brother dioceses — parishioners from both Lincoln and Omaha gathered together for the pilgrimage. Bishop James Conley of Lincoln carried the monstrance, passing it on to Archbishop Lucas at the foot of the steep hill leading to the shrine in a ceremonial exchange marking the edge of his diocese.
“We expect heat this time of year,” Lucas told CNA after the procession. “I was just thrilled that so many people were willing to bear the heat and walk — it was over four miles.”
“It reminds us of the heroic efforts of the pilgrims that are helping us have these processions. They’re all across the country, starting from the West Coast,” he said. “I’m really grateful to them.”
One attendee, lifelong Catholic Timothy Swan, came to the pilgrimage after attending all-night adoration the night before at Risen Christ Cathedral in Lincoln. As it grew late and the initial crowd thinned, Swan recalled the cathedral becoming uncomfortably cold.
“Jesus is good,” he said. “It was great. The only thing is, I bet Jesus was cold … There were a couple of times I did go out to my car and turn on the heat. But it was a lot of fun.”
Swan has been joining parts of the Junipero Serra Route from his hometown in the northeast corner of Colorado to where he grew up in Omaha, attending events in Sterling and Fort Morgan, Colorado, as well as Lincoln and Omaha.
“People have said that this must have been similar to the time when Jesus [lived] when the people followed him in large crowds, and then the woman with the hemorrhage just wanted to touch him,” he said of the processions.
With heavy limbs and tired feet, the pilgrims made their way to the top of the hill to reach the end of the procession at the Shrine of the Holy Family, an unusual-looking building of cedar and glass that overlooks the surrounding fields and freeway, its latticed roof reaching into the clouds.
The chapel is a repose for travelers, who may find solace in prayer by stopping in the wayside chapel, as well as travelers in spirit.
Archbishop Lucas carried the monstrance along a narrow dirt path lined with wildflowers and tall grass, making a final loop around the hilltop shrine. He entered the pleasantly cool shrine followed by a small number of processors who were able to fit inside.
Built in 1993, the intricately designed hilltop chapel was the inspiration of four Catholics who each (independently) shared a dream to build a roadside chapel for travelers.
An eye-catching archway of interwoven trusses forms its structure, while within its glass walls, a unique water element meant to reference baptism is built into the flooring.
The entrance to the shrine is marked by a cracked path with a pebbled waterway just under the surface. Small pools of water mark each pew, while a larger pool sits beneath the altar.
The Holy Family’s image is etched in the largest window above the altar so subtly the image almost merges with the sky on a partly cloudy day like this one. As they reflect or pray, the glass walls offer visitors broad vistas of green fields stretching out in every direction.
All was quiet except for the sound of trickling water flowing underneath the holy place, along with the murmur of song heard as the bishop brought the monstrance forward, blessing the processors with a final Benediction.
To those outside the chapel, Christ was still visible, seen through the glass walls. With the sunlight reflecting on the golden monstrance, the pilgrims inside and outside the shrine knelt before Jesus for an hour of adoration.
One young woman inside the chapel bowed low before the altar, touching her face to the cool stone floor in reverence.
Just beyond the altar, the line of pilgrims and processors could be seen outside, waiting to enter into the small shrine.
One or two at a time, the processors left, taking a dirt path that led to a shuttle driven by a jovial driver, which took them back to their parking spots to make the ride home for the evening.
Jonah Tran, 22, is a young adult leader in his local chapter of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lincoln, Nebraska. He said the end of the procession was “breathtaking.”
“Being from Lincoln my whole life, I’ve been to this church many times before, but the only times I’ve gone have been just on my own personal trips, so just seeing it by myself,” he said.
“But now actually being here, seeing hundreds of people come here together and going into the church … It’s breathtaking, going in, seeing the church actually filled this time,” he said.
“It’s amazing to see, especially being in Nebraska,” Tran said of the procession. “Being able to see individuals like myself who are Vietnamese, having this all in common — but [that it’s] not only within the Vietnamese community, [we’re seeing] how diverse things can be, but yet we’re all here for the same belief.”
“The thing that I noticed is that the average age of the group today was young,” Lucas said after the procession. “And so, as a person who’s not so young anymore, that makes me feel really good and very hopeful for the future.”
“It just reminds me how many friends the Lord has here and how close he wants to be to all of us,” he said.
One of the nation’s top forwards is giving Nebraska another look.
First reported by Robin Washut of HuskerOnline, the Big Red have secured an official visit from the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class. Dawson Battie of St. Mark’s High School in Dallas, Texas, will visit Lincoln for the third time overall during the weekend of Oct. 9.
Battie, a five-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, first traveled to campus in August of 2025 before returning to watch the Huskers take on then-No. 9 Illinois in February. Despite Nebraska’s nine-point loss, the visit left a lasting impression, and the Huskers have remained among his top schools. They’ll now get another opportunity to strengthen their position this fall.
Here’s the latest on Battie’s recruitment, including where Nebraska stands and why the Huskers feel confident about their chances leading down the final stretch until the early signing period in November.
Battie’s Other Top Schools
The composite five-star has no shortage of Division I offers. Battie holds 23 in total, with Nebraska, SMU, Texas, Kentucky, and Kansas appearing to be among the top on his list.
The Huskers were one of the first Power Conference programs to offer the Dallas native, extending one in October of 2024. Since then, Battie’s recruitment has taken off, but Nebraska has remained within striking distance.
To date, Battie has visited SMU three times, Nebraska twice, and both Texas and Kentucky once. He also has official visits scheduled this fall to Texas A&M, Houston, SMU, and Virginia before announcing his college decision.
100% Committed #GBR #God✝️ #Committed pic.twitter.com/Etd7xtmIgC
— Ty Schlagel (@TySchlagel) October 20, 2025
NU’s 2027 Recruiting Class to Date
Nebraska currently has one commitment in its 2027 recruiting class: Ty Schlagel. The 6-foot-5 rising senior from Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota, is ranked No. 107 nationally in the 247Sports Composite.
The four-star recruit committed to the Huskers last October over fellow Big Ten programs such as Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He quickly developed a strong relationship with Fred Hoiberg’s staff and has remained committed ever since.
NU is expected to add at least one or two more high school prospects to the class, making Battie one of the program’s biggest remaining targets left on the board.
Other 2027 Prospects Who Have Visited Lincoln in 2026:
- Mathias Alessanco- Forward (★★★★)
- Ryan Hampton- Shooting Guard (★★★★★)
- Chase Richardson- Point Guard (★★★★)
All 2027 Prospects Nebraska Has Offered
Nebraska has extended offers to 13 prospects in the 2027 class, with most of them being forwards. Battie is one of the two five-stars on this list.
Dooney Johnson (Gonzaga), Jack Kohnen (Iowa State), London Dada (Creighton), Donovan Davis (Iowa State), Chase Richardson (Texas A&M), Jalen Brown (Wisconsin), Ryan Hampton (Kentucky), and Mathias Alessanco (South Carolina) are committed to other schools.
Remaining uncommitted targets include Battie, Eden Vinyard, Isaiah Mack-Russel, and Cherif Millogo. They could also work to flip targets closer to signing day, though with the 5-for-5 eligibility rules passing earlier this week, the Huskers have several players on their current roster who have gained an additional year.
- Mathias Alessanco- Forward (★★★★)
- Dawson Battie- Forward (★★★★★)
- Eden Vinyard- Forward (★★★★)
- Ty Schlagel- Forward (★★★★)
- Donovan Davis- Forward (★★★★)
- Jack Kohnen- Forward (★★★★)
- London Dada- Forward (★★★)
- Isaiah Mack-Russel- Forward (★★★)
- Chase Richardson- Point Guard (★★★★)
- Dooney Johnson- Point Guard (★★★★)
- Jalen Brown- Shooting Guard (★★★★)
- Ryan Hampton- Shooting Guard (★★★★★)
- Cherif Millogo- Center (★★★★)
What Happens Next?
Nebraska’s staff has plenty of reason to feel optimistic. Not only have the Huskers remained contenders throughout Battie’s recruitment, but they’ll also get another opportunity to host him before the early signing period in November.
Several high-profile programs remain near the top, but a strong start to the 2026-27 season against Providence and Boise State could further strengthen NU’s pitch. While NIL will undoubtedly play a role, Battie’s recruitment appears to be centered on relationships, player development, and overall fit.
If the Huskers can check those boxes, they’ll have a real shot. Battie has the talent to start as a true freshman, and wherever he signs, he’ll likely have an opportunity to contribute right away. Landing him would give Nebraska the highest-ranked recruit in program history, making it easy to understand why Hoiberg and his staff aren’t backing down from the fight.
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For talent, stats, and historical relevance, Nebraska’s high school sports landscape is among the deepest in the nation.
Athletes have dominated sports, ranging from softball to track, overcoming adversity to reach the collegiate and professional levels. All-time stars like Bob Gibson, Marlin Briscoe, and young athletes looking to the future like Jett Thomalla make up the extraordinary talent base of the state.
Who is the all-time greatest Nebraska high school athlete?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY is launching its 250 for 250 series, looking to answer that question by celebrating the best athletes from each state.
From fans’ votes, five athletes will be selected to represent the state as legends who have defined high school sports.
With that in mind, here are the Nebraska high school athlete nominees. The 12 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standouts at the high school level.
Jordyn Bahl, Softball, Papillion La Vista High School
Over Jordyn Bahl’s four-year high school career, she went an astonishing 95-3 with a 0.63 ERA and 978 strikeouts. Over her junior and senior years, she went a combined 54-0 with a 0.16 ERA and 615 strikeouts while hitting .544 with 42 home runs and 114 RBIs. Papillion La Vista went undefeated both years and won three championships with Bahl.
Bob Boozer, Boys Basketball, Omaha Technical High School
A high school teammate of Bob Gibson and eventual NBA champion, Bob Boozer set a league scoring record in 1955 as he helped Omaha Tech win the Inter-City League championship.
Marlin Briscoe, Football, Boys Basketball, Tennis, Omaha South High School
Marlin Briscoe, the first Black quarterback to start in the modern NFL, began his career at Omaha South, where he helped the team win a championship. He was a multi-sport athlete.
Bob Gibson, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Track and Field, Omaha Technical High School
Bob Gibson, among the greatest pitchers in MLB history, was initially blocked from playing baseball because the coach would not allow Black kids on the team. Instead, he competed in track as a junior and set an Omaha high-jump record. As a senior under a new coach, he joined the team, hit .368, made the all-city team, and helped Tech win the Inter-City title. He also made the All-City basketball team, according to SABR.
Ahman Green, Football, Track and Field, Omaha North and Omaha Central high schools
A first-team USA TODAY All-American, two-time All-Nebraska first-team selection, and Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year, Ahman Green played running back, linebacker and punter for Omaha Central, establishing a career that would make him a Green Bay Packers legend. He also won the 100- and 200-meter state championships in track.
Tom Kropp, Football, Boys Basketball, Baseball, Track and Field, Aurora High School
Tom Kropp helped Aurora win six championships across three sports, averaging 33 points and 21 rebounds as a senior in basketball, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in football, and winning discus and shot put. He also threw a no-hitter.
Jordan Larson, Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Track and Field, Logan View High School (Hooper)
A future Olympian, Jordan Larson was a star volleyball and basketball player at Logan View. She was the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year and a three-time all-state selection in volleyball. In basketball, she set the school record for scoring, rebounding and assists, according to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.
Alyssa Onnen, Track and Field, Kearney Catholic High School
Alyssa Onnen graduated in 2026 as one of the most dominant track and field athletes in Nebraska history, winning four pole vault championships. Her final clearing as a senior was 12-06.00, according to Nebraska Preps.
Johnny Rodgers, Football, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Track and Field, Omaha Tech High School
In 1969, Johnny Rodgers was named the Nebraska Athlete of the Year, was an All-American football and baseball player, an All-City basketball player, and an All-State in the long jump. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and received more than 50 scholarship offers for football. He played two seasons in the NFL.
Gale Sayers, Football, Track and Field, Omaha Central High School
Few athletes have wowed Nebraska like Gale Sayers, who led Central’s football to an undefeated season, twice led the state in scoring and was named All-State, and set the state long jump record at 24ft 10in, a mark that stood for almost 40 years.
Berlyn Schutz, Track and Field, Lincoln East High School
The 2019 Nebraska Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year, Berlyn Shutz won championships in the 800- and 1,600-meters, set a state meet record in the mile, and was a state champion in the 4×800-meter relay.
Jett Thomalla, Football, Boys Basketball, Millard South High School
Jett Thomalla emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, leading Millard South to back-to-back championships and setting state records with 10,253 career passing yards and 134 career passing touchdowns. He was an ALL-USA Second-Team Offense in 2025.
Nebraska
Extreme Heat Watches and Heat Advisories issued across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota
A widespread period of dangerous heat is expected to affect large portions of the central United States through next week into the July 4 weekend.
National Weather Service offices across the country have issued Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Watches covering parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Heat indices of over 38°C (100°F) across many locations, while several areas could experience peak values between 41 and 43°C (105 and 110°F).
Kansas
Heat Advisories are in effect from 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, until 21:00 CDT Wednesday, July 1, across central, east-central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, where heat index values of 38 to 41°C (100 to 105°F) are forecast.
An Extreme Heat Watch covers north-central, northeast, and east-central Kansas from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, with peak heat index values potentially reaching 42°C (108°F). Eastern Kansas, including areas near the Missouri border, is also included in a broader Extreme Heat Watch covering adjacent portions of Missouri through Tuesday evening.
Illinois and Missouri
Heat Advisories cover broad areas of southern, central, and western Illinois together with central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern, and western Missouri from Sunday afternoon through Thursday night, where daily heat index values above 38°C (100°F) are expected. These advisories will be effective between 12:00 and 13:00 CDT on Sunday, June 28, and remain in effect until either 20:00 CDT or 00:00 CDT Friday, July 3, depending on the forecast area.
Meanwhile, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for the St. Louis metropolitan region—including Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in Illinois and Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City in Missouri—from Sunday afternoon, June 28, through Thursday evening, July 2, where heat index values of 41 to 43°C (105 to 110°F) are possible. Additional Extreme Heat Watches cover northeast Missouri and portions of western Illinois from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30.
Iowa
Heat Advisories begin at 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, across northwest, west-central, and southwest Iowa. Depending on location, the advisories remain in effect until either 21:00 CDT Monday, June 29, or 21:00 CDT Tuesday, June 30, with forecast heat index values generally ranging from 39 to 41°C (103 to 105°F).
Much of Iowa is also under an Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, while southwest Iowa is included in a separate watch for the Omaha metropolitan area, where heat index values may approach 42°C (108°F).
Nebraska and South Dakota
Heat Advisories will start going into effect at 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, across Nebraska. Advisories for eastern and southeastern Nebraska remain in effect until 21:00 CDT Tuesday, June 30, while Cedar and Knox counties in northeast Nebraska are under a shorter-duration advisory until 21:00 CDT Sunday.
In southeast South Dakota, most advisories remain in effect from 13:00 CDT Sunday until 21:00 CDT Monday, although Bon Homme, Hanson, Hutchinson, and McCook counties are under a one-day advisory ending at 21:00 CDT Sunday.
Heat index values are expected to reach 39 to 41°C (103 to 105°F). Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska, together with adjacent counties in southwest Iowa, are also under an Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, where heat index values may reach 42°C (108°F).
The National Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure to these conditions can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly during the afternoon and early evening when apparent temperatures are highest. Several forecast areas are also expected to experience unusually warm overnight conditions that will limit overnight cooling and increase cumulative heat stress over successive days.
Residents across affected areas are urged to remain hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible, and continue monitoring official forecasts for additional advisories, watches, or warnings.
References:
1 Extreme Heat Watch – NWS – June 27, 2026
2 Heat Advisory – NWS – June 27, 2026
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