As the Basilica’s Director of Pilgrimages, Msgr. Vito Buonanno has shepherded pilgrims through the doors of America’s Catholic Church for 16 years. His contagious enthusiasm, love of people, and joy of the Lord continually make visitors feel welcome as they participate in this centuries-old spiritual practice.
This fall, as we approach the Basilica’s busiest season for pilgrimages, we sat down with Msgr. Vito to ask him what advice he has for pilgrims, what’s special about pilgrimages at the Basilica, and more – read the interview below!
Msgr. Vito A. Buonanno is Associate Rector and Director of Pilgrimages of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
To begin, can you tell us what’s unique about pilgrimages as a spiritual practice? What makes a pilgrimage different from an ordinary trip?
A pilgrimage is an experience. It doesn’t happen in just a moment. You are traveling to the Shrine and being with people who are doing the same thing – and that journey allows you to form a relationship or encounter people that you may not know. What brings everyone together is the fact that you’re journeying to this holy site with a common purpose. And it’s not just what’s happening in the moment, but something that is grounded in a tradition going back to the Old Testament.
Why should an individual go on a pilgrimage?
It’s like how an individual should go on retreat. It’s the experience of a spirituality that’s not just private, but also communal. That’s the great thing about a pilgrimage—it has a private, a communal, and a social dimension. Together, you’re traveling, praying, and experiencing what happens at the Shrine, culminating in the celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Many people travel to take advantage of the graces of the sacraments offered in this special space.
What should a pilgrim do to prepare for their journey?
It’s always good to know the history and significance of the site that you’re visiting. We have many ancient pilgrimage sites in the world, such as Santiago de Compostela in Spain, to newer ones like the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil. And of course, you have our shrine here in Washington, D.C., which is the preeminent Marian Shrine in the United States. Learning about your destination beforehand can enhance the experience when you arrive there. If you’re visiting this Shrine, it may be helpful to learn more about the Shrine by visiting our website and reading the blog.
Why do people make a pilgrimage to the National Shrine?
Many times, people make pilgrimages to Shrines for a prayer to be answered, or guidance on a situation they’re dealing with in their families. Sometimes, they come to give thanks for something that God has responded to. Other people will come because they’ve heard about the National Shrine or seen its liturgies online or on TV, or are drawn to visit because we are the largest Catholic Church in North America.
Why should a diocese bring a large group on pilgrimage here?
There is nothing more wonderful than seeing a large group of people come from a diocese, led by their bishop, and accompanied by priests and deacons. It’s just amazing to see the bishop, as a shepherd, look out to his flock gathered together as one in this beautiful sacred space. Not all dioceses have a space of this size, and so when they do come here, and you get to see a bishop amongst his flock, leading them in prayer, it is a beautiful experience of a local church placed in this wonderful National Shrine.
Looking to the fall schedule of pilgrimages, what are you most excited about?
Because of the Jubilee year, I have probably booked more pilgrimages this year than any other year. I am excited to welcome the tens of thousands of pilgrims that will travel here throughout the fall. There is nothing else like welcoming people to the Shrine, meeting them face to face, and seeing them experience the beauty of this space – from its domes and mosaics to the stained-glass windows and chapels.
The Basilica was designated as a special place of pilgrimage during Jubilee Year 2025 by the Administrative Committee of the USCCB – what does this mean for those visiting the Basilica throughout the year?
In this year of holiness, extra graces are added to the pilgrimage experience, such as a plenary indulgence. While we don’t have an open Holy Door this year because of the decision of our late Holy Father Pope Francis to only open the doors at the Basilicas in Rome, we still have the Jubilee Indulgence available and can offer extraordinary graces to pilgrims.
What have been some highlights of your 16 years as Director of Pilgrimages at the Shrine?
There have been very memorable moments; every January, thousands of young people come together for the National Prayer Vigil for Life, and that’s really special. Other times include my own diocese of Brooklyn coming with nearly 10,000 people, or the Brazilian community coming just last year to dedicate the new oratory of Our Lady of Aparecida with over 7,000 people. All of these are wonderful experiences, especially the ethnic pilgrimages, when people bring their culture here and express it in devotion. The blending of culture and heritage with faith expression is truly beautiful.
What do you hope those who come to the Basilica on pilgrimage experience?
Whenever I welcome large groups, small groups, or even individuals, I tell them that I hope and pray they can bring the graces they receive here back to their families, their parishes, and their dioceses. There’s a phrase I love in one of the Eucharistic Prayers:
“Grant that all the faithful of the Church, looking into the signs of the times by the light of faith, may constantly devote themselves to the service of the Gospel.” (Eucharistic Prayer for Use in Masses for Various Needs III)
We are called to read the signs of the times and dedicate ourselves to the service of the Gospel, not just at a sacred place or special moment, but also in our day-to-day living. But we need those special moments of holiness to enhance our ordinary living – because even in the ordinary, God makes Himself extraordinarily present to us.
Interested in making a pilgrimage to the Basilica?
View our Guide to Fall 2025 Pilgrimages.
