Archdiocesan Pilgrimage embarks for D.C. on October 18

Approximately 225 miles separate Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Before the advent of trains and cars, making a pilgrimage to the Nation’s Capital from New Jersey would have taken ten days or more.

Fortunately for participants in the Oct. 18 Archdiocesan Pilgrimage, buses will be traveling from local parishes in the early morning and return that same evening to make the trip a little easier. No matter how pilgrims choose to make their way to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, however, it will be worth the effort.

First, there are the interior benefits that come from making such a journey, especially during a Jubilee Holy Year.

Saint Francis (whose feast is celebrated on Oct. 4), advised his friars to “make a dwelling-place within ourselves where He can stay, He who is the Lord God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Just after his conversion, “Il Poverello” made his own pilgrimage to Rome.

A journey of hope

This year’s Archdiocesan pilgrims will follow his spiritual example with opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Penance, recite the Rosary together, listen to sacred music, and participate in a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark.

The one-day pilgrimage will be a “tangible expression of our affection and devotion” to the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the cardinal. When he announced the special pilgrimage, he emphasized the “special affinity” that the Archdiocese has always had for the mother of Jesus.

Past pilgrimages have also been occasions of joy, solidarity, and friendship.

At least one additional benefit awaits pilgrims: The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a spectacular sacred space. Four hundred fifty-nine feet long and 240 feet wide, with a tower that reaches 329 feet, the basilica is the largest Catholic church building in North America and the tallest building in Washington, D.C. Vibrant mosaics adorn the shrine, which also houses more than 80 chapels and oratories dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

The basilica is also home to the Hall of American Saints, located in the crypt, with devotional statues of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, and others.

A list of parishes offering bus transportation on Oct. 18 is available at the link below.

Visit the 2025 Archdiocesan Pilgrimage website to learn more about this event, including prayer materials and information about participating parishes. For information about bus transportation, contact your parish.