The Diocese of Camden’s Marian Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is returning this fall for the first time since the pandemic.
On Oct. 29, South Jersey’s faithful are invited to join Bishop Dennis Sullivan and priests, clergy and religious from around the Diocese for the biannual pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. The daylong experience will be a time to “come together as a Church family in thanksgiving” for God’s blessings, and implore Mary for her intercession and protection in one’s home and family, said Father James Bartoloma, director of the Diocese’s Marian Commission, and pastor of Church of the Holy Family, Sewell.
Parishes are coordinating buses to the United States’ pre-eminent Marian shrine, which is dedicated to Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the country and of the Diocese of Camden.
“It’s important that we’re able to go this sacred place together again,” Father Bartoloma said, adding that the pilgrimage will include many opportunities for “a deepening of the faith for all ages.”
These include multi-lingual Rosary prayers; a concert of sacred music with diocesan music ministers; the opportunity for confession; a procession of the Diocese of Camden’s parishes with their banners, and Mass celebrated by Bishop Sullivan.
As well, there will be time to explore the beauty of the shrine, with its Byzantine architecture; multiple chapels and altars that reflect the myriad Marian traditions of various Catholic cultures around the world; and its Trinity Dome mosaic, which includes a depiction of the Holy Trinity and Blessed Virgin Mary, and saints who are associated with the United States, such as Kateri Tekakwitha (the first canonized female Native American), and Junipero Serra (the first saint to be canonized in America).
During this three-year National Eucharistic Revival for the U.S. Church, the liturgy that concludes the pilgrimage will be a Votive Mass dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Temple of the Lord, Father Bartoloma said. When pregnant with Jesus, Mary became a Tabernacle for the savior, he explained.
In a similar way, when faithful receive Jesus in the Eucharist, “They become temples of the Lord,” he said, adding that the faithful, too, have a responsibility to reveal the savior to the world.
Father Bartoloma hopes many will take part to see “the glory of Catholicism” that is present at the shrine. “It’s a time to lift our hearts to God as one big spiritual family. Everyone who has gone [in the past] has left spiritually refreshed and uplifted.”
Those wishing to take part in the pilgrimage are urged to contact their parish for busing information.
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