New Jersey Chinese Catholics join Jubilee Marian pilgrimage
A group representing Chinese Catholics from the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Metuchen made a joyous Jubilee Year pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 3. They came to honor the Virgin Mary and share the faith traditions with other Asian and Pacific Island Catholics in a service enriched by their cultural traditions.
The 22nd Annual Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage was sponsored by the Asian and Pacific Catholic Network (APCN) in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang, CSSF, liaison to the Chinese community of the Archdiocese of Newark, organized the event for the New Jersey Chinese group.
The opening procession began with a welcoming drum by St. Andrew Kim Korean Catholic Church of Maryland.
Led by the Knights of Columbus, around 30 groups from various dioceses, parishes, and communities processed toward the front altar. They carried statues and portraits of Mary, arches made of flowers, and colorful banners representing the traditions of many countries, including the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Korea, and China.
“A Call to Prayer” followed, featuring sacred songs and movements performed by four different cultural groups in traditional attire. Liturgical dancers represented the Indian Catholic Community from Maryland, the Montagnard Catholic Community from North Carolina, the Chinese Catholic community from New Jersey, and Our Lady of LaVang Mission – Daughters of Mary Organization (Vietnamese) from Virginia. A family representing the Burmese Catholic Communities crowned a statue of Mary. Before the pilgrimage Mass, the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary were prayed in five languages spoken by the different communities.
Sharing culture and God’s blessings
In his welcome, Msgr. Walter Rossi, the Basilica’s rector, pointed out that this year’s pilgrimage had special meaning. “This year is the Jubilee Year of Hope for our Catholic Church, and Mary is our Mother of Hope,” he said.
Bishop Efren V. Esmilla, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, presided at the Mass. As reported in the Catholic Standard, Bishop Esmilla spoke about Mary as a model of faith and selfless discipleship. He urged devotion to the Blessed Mother and encouraged the APCN communities to follow her example. “My fellow Asian and Pacific Island Catholics, we have a mission. We have a lot to share in this beautiful country,” Bishop Esmilla said, encouraging those present to “be Christ-like in the world” and to told those present.
This was the third year the Chinese faithful of New Jersey performed the “Call to Prayer” before the Basilica’s altar. According to Sister Dong Hong, the 12 dancers practiced with choreographer and dance teacher Sherry Chen for about two months before the pilgrimage. “Your Faith is Great, O God my Father, your love is forever,” went the lyrics to the song they danced to. “Every morning you grant us blessings; you provide what we need… your mercy and love are forever.”
Following the pilgrimage Mass, Sister Dong Hong was asked about the meaning of this API pilgrimage. “Our solidarity with other brothers and sisters in church reflects the Jubilee Year of Hope,” she said. “We want to be a witness of God’s love and a witness of our faith. We also want to take this chance to share our culture and learn more about others.”
You can watch the New Jersey community’s liturgical dance below:
Featured image: Dancers from the Chinese Catholic Community of New Jersey participate in the call to prayer featuring sacred songs and movements during the 22nd annual Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on May 3, 2025. (Catholic Standard photo by Patrick Ryan)
