As our bus pulled up to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on a clear autumn day, I was overjoyed by the warm welcome we received from the clergy awaiting our arrival. This enthusiastic greeting intensified my feelings of excitement for the day that lay ahead.
Upon arriving at the Shrine during that first pilgrimage, I was amazed by the magnificent architecture and beauty of our country’s largest Catholic Church. “The brilliant mosaics, stained glass windows, and polished stone carvings throughout the Basilica express the reality of God dwelling within us.*” Over eighty chapels and oratories are dedicated to the Blessed Mother under her various titles, and I was determined to pray at each one!
As I worked my way through the chapels, I marveled at the cleanliness of Mary’s House; it was spotless, and each room seemed to shine more brightly than the last. While I did not make it through each of the chapels on my first visit, I have been fortunate enough to make the pilgrimage on three other occasions. Traveling with fellow parishioners makes the day all the more memorable. Coming together in Washington, D.C., as a diocese to enjoy the sounds of the concert of Sacred Music, participate in the Procession of Parishes, and attend Mass celebrated by Bishop is an experience that I thoroughly enjoy and encourage all to take advantage of. The biennial pilgrimage is Saturday, October 26; contact Dolores Mozzillo or take a flier from the bulletin board in the back of the church. The cost is $30 a person and bus leaves at 6:15am.
* credit to: www.NationalShrine.org