Thousands from Archdiocese make Jubilee pilgrimage of hope (Photos)

“People of Newark, you have brought this shrine to life!” With those words, Msgr. Vito A. Buonanno, Director of Pilgrimages at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, welcomed an estimated 4,000 pilgrims who had traveled from the Archdiocese of Newark on Oct. 18 to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Most of the pilgrims made the journey by bus to Washington, D.C. with their parish communities, leaving at 7 a.m. or earlier. A few buses had issues during the trip of over two hundred miles, but Msgr. Buonanno reminded pilgrims that delays and difficulties were also an essential part of the pilgrimage experience as they “witnessed to the hope that is our faith.”

Many pilgrims said that they had come seeking the graces offered during the Jubilee Year. Others came in hope of physical or spiritual healing, or to ask Jesus and Our Lady for strength and help in personal struggles.

Organizers provided pilgrims with many opportunities to grow in their relationships with God throughout the day.

Seeking salvation in sacrament and beauty

Upon arriving at the shrine, pilgrims were warmly greeted by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, and archdiocesan Auxiliary Bishops. After welcoming 63 busloads of pilgrims for two hours, the cardinal and bishops then ascended the steps to the largest Catholic Church in North America.

Many pilgrims stopped to admire the magnificent mosaics that cover the interior domes of the shrine, depicting the Holy Trinity, the Creation, Christ in Majesty, and other key aspects of the Catholic faith. People also paused to pray and reflect at one of the shrine’s more than 80 chapels and oratories that honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. An organ recital by John J. Miller, Director of Music Ministries at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, enhanced the sense of divine beauty. The Cathedral Choir later joined him during the Mass and other moments of the day.

In the crypt of the church, lines of pilgrims patiently waited to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance with one of the many priests available. Others visited the gift shop looking for rosaries, holy medals, and Marian statues.

Later, a procession of 37 parish banners down the nave of the shrine served as a reminder that pilgrims traveled together as communities of faith. By reciting the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary together, pilgrims also expressed their desire to be transformed in heart and mind.

Walking together in hope

“As pilgrims of hope, we move together,” Cardinal Tobin reminded worshippers during the concluding Mass. “We become holy together, and we learn of a hope that does not disappoint.”

Pilgrims filled the pews of the upper church and most of the adjoining chapels for the liturgy, which was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Michael A. Saporito, and Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., along with dozens of priests from the Archdiocese of Newark.

In his homily, the cardinal pointed to Mary as an example of hope for everyone to follow. “Here we call her the Immaculate Conception,” he said. “Yes, the patroness of the United States, of Nicaragua, and many other countries. The Immaculate Conception represents the triumph of God over evil, over fear, and over death.”

He reminded those present that Mary spoke “directly to people” when she said, “Do everything He tells you.”

“What does Jesus tell us to do?” Cardinal Tobin asked. “Well, a lot of things. He tells us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison. There are also some things He tells us not to do. One thing that comes to mind is that He tells us not to judge—for the measure that you use to judge others will be used to judge you.”

Jesus also instructed people in the greatest commandment—to love God and to love each other, Cardinal Tobin said.

“On the day that we were baptized,” he continued, “we were given the Spirit which leads us to a hope that does not disappoint.” The Holy Spirit brings us into “a mission to share the meaning we find in life with the poor and downtrodden, the oppressed, the afflicted, the forgotten, and the neglected.”

People with a mission

“Brothers and sisters, we hear that mission today as the Church of Newark,” Cardinal Tobin said, “from Mahwah in the north, to Plainfield in the south, to Short Hills in the west, and to the Hudson River and everyone who lives along there. We are called to do what Jesus did. And we can do that because first we remember what God has done for us.”

Cardinal Tobin concluded by inviting everyone to participate in the We Are His Witnesses initiative by asking three questions: “Where are we now? Where is the Lord calling us to go? And very importantly, how do we get there together?”

“A people that is united will never be defeated,” he said. “Let us walk together, brothers and sisters, in the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

After Mass, pilgrims left the shrine and paused to take a few final photos outside. When asked what they appreciated most about the day, their answers were the same: “Everything!”

One pilgrim, Manuel, added that he was especially grateful for all the priests who made themselves available to hear confessions. Many also commented on the beauty of the liturgy and sacred music.

With weary smiles, they boarded their buses for the journey home, ready to reflect on a beautiful day and perhaps take a nap.

You can view more images of the 2025 Archdiocesan Pilgrimage HERE.

Featured image: An estimated 4,000 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Newark gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC on Oct. 18 (Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera / John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)