Knights plan Catholic shrines pilgrimages
The New Jersey Knights of Columbus are hosting pilgrimages to Catholic shrines in and around the Garden State.
From August 2024 to March 2025, the Knights are encouraging those of all ages to meet them at each of the six locations for camaraderie, faith lessons, and opportunities for Rosary prayers and Adoration.
“Shrines are a way to deepen your faith and find a sense of peace and silence to listen to the voice of Jesus speaking through the Eucharist,” said Rolland C. Coutinho, New Jersey Knights of Columbus shrine coordinator.
Coming together at the various shrine sites, he said, is also a way to establish friendships. “It shows you that you’re not alone, that we worship together. Sure, we might not know each other personally, but we are gathered together in Christ. It’s amazing the relationships you can build on trips like this.”
The planned shrine visits are as follows:
• Aug. 10: Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney Shrine, 3730 Richards Ave., Hammonton, N.J.
The center was established on Nov. 1, 2020, to advance the vision of Knights of Columbus founder Father Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890). A priest of New Haven, Conn., who is being considered for sainthood in the Catholic Church, he established the new fraternal benefit society on the principles of unity and charity more than a century ago. The McGivney Center welcomes visitors to learn about this holy priest’s life and legacy, imitate his benevolent outreach to the needy and outcast, and invoke his heavenly intercession for needs great and small in their own lives.
• Oct. 6: Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Garden, 564 Walton Ave., Mt. Laurel, N.J.
Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Garden is a sprawling rosary prayer garden with life-size statues currently representing the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries.
• Oct. 26: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
With over 80 chapels and oratories honoring the Mother of God and representing peoples from every corner of the globe, the Basilica reflects the cultural diversity of the United States.
• Nov. 16: St. Frances Cabrini Shrine, 701 Fort Washington Ave., New York, N.Y.
St. Frances Cabrini Shrine is home to the patron saint of immigrants. Visit Mother Cabrini’s relics and draw closer to the Heart of Jesus.
• Dec. 7: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, 135 N. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold, N.J.
The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a place of pilgrimage under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe as the patroness of the unborn.
• March 15, 2025: Shrine of Saint Joseph, 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, N.J.
All are welcome to visit the Oratory of St. Joseph, featuring the beautiful mosaic on the Life of Saint Joseph. The mosaic was designed around 100 years ago by Austrian artist Leopold Forstner. The images depict five important times in the life of St. Joseph.
Pilgrims will need to provide their own transportation to each site. The visit to the National Shrine in October, however, is part of the Diocese of Camden’s Marian Pilgrimage.
Encouraging others to take part in the shrine program, which is now in its second year, Coutinho said, “Whenever I travel in the U.S. or abroad, I always look for the closest Catholic Church and learn about its history.”
For more information, contact Rolland C. Coutinho at 856-220-9989 or rcc1266@yahoo.com.
This article was reprinted with permission by Catholic Star Herald, the news outlet for the Diocese of Camden.
