How to join in the Pilgrimage to Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Fifty-five parishes are providing busing to the Archdiocesan 50th Anniversary Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 16. All bus transportation is coordinated at the parish level.

Archdiocesan officials suggest that pilgrims reserve their seats on a bus now if they haven’t already. Some parishes still have seats left such as St. Mary in Closter, while others such St. Stephen’s in Kearny filled up quickly and have parishioners on a waitlist.

For those wanting to make the trip but whose parish is not providing a bus, or whose parish bus is filled, Father Joseph Mancini, Director of Archdiocesan Liturgies, suggests calling a neighboring church on the participation list.

Some parishes are taking up a free-will offering, while others are charging up to $60 per seat to cover the cost of the bus.

*Pilgrims join Cardinal Tobin outside the Basilica in 2019. (Archdiocese of Newark)*

Buses will be leaving as early as 5:30 a.m. and returning around 11 p.m. depending on the location.

Father Mancini said free parking will be available at the Basilica for those wanting to carpool. There are also trains from Newark to Washington, D.C. Union Station running throughout the day through Amtrak for about $200 roundtrip with discounts for kids, seniors, and students. The D.C. Metro can get riders from the station to Catholic University next to the Basilica.

The Pilgrimage, the first since 2019, will be led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. The day will include a concert of sacred music, confessions offered in multiple languages, the Holy Rosary, a colorful procession of parish banners representing the Archdiocese’s 212 parishes, and Holy Mass in the Great Upper Church. For a printable schedule click here.

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During the last archdiocesan pilgrimage in 2019, 4,000 members of the Newark Archdiocese in 84 buses journeyed to “Mary’s House” in Washington, D.C.

*Mass with Cardinal Tobin in 2019. (Archdiocese of Newark)*

Called “America’s Catholic Church,” the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception reflects the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States and the unity and universality of the Catholic Church.

It is also a Marian shrine, housing more than 80 chapels and oratories honoring Mother Mary as the patroness of our nation under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

In addition to the upper church with its breathtaking Trinity Dome, the massive space honors how Mary is portrayed in various cultures. It also contains the world’s largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art.

Pilgrims can complete a Pilgrimage Prayer Intention card, which will be placed in the sanctuary and remembered during the celebration of Mass.

A pilgrimage is a personal and communal journey that has been part of Catholic devotional practice worldwide for years. The spiritual aspect of this pilgrimage is a tribute to Mary, Mother of the Church. The trip itself is planned as a Marian Devotion.

“A pilgrimage is an important part of our faith,” Father Mancini said. “We are always in search of something. We are always in search of a stronger relationship with God. As people of faith, we are always on a pilgrimage until we find our true home in heaven.”

The Pilgrimage, first held on Oct. 13, 1973, takes place every three years for the Archdiocese of Newark parishioners.

For more information, visit rcan.org.