“A pilgrim always has a destination, even if at times he is not explicitly aware of it. And this destination is none other than the encounter with God through Christ in whom all our aspirations find their response.” – Pope Benedict XVI
The history of pilgrimages finds its root in the Judaic tradition, where the Jewish people would journey to Jerusalem for the observation of feasts. In the New Testament, the Holy Family and the Apostles made several such journeys, and the early Church continued this practice by traveling to the Holy Land to visit and pray at holy sites associated with the life of Christ. Today, the faithful carry on this rich tradition that unites them with other Christians — both past and present — through this beautiful, shared act which embodies their devotion to Christ.
Pilgrimages at the Basilica
As the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is designated as a pilgrimage church by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. With over 80 chapels and oratories honoring the Mother of God and representing peoples from every corner of the globe, one can receive the same graces and indulgences as virtually any of the great Marian shrines in the world at the Basilica.
We invite you to participate in the great tradition of pilgrimage and view the schedule of pilgrimages happening at the Basilica this fall below!
26th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health – September 9
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the Indian American Catholic Association will hold its 26th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health. This Marian day of devotion to Our Lady of Vailankanni, devotees will participate in Holy Mass, a Blessing of Children, and the recitation of the Novena to Our Lady of Vailankanni.
Archdiocese of Newark Pilgrimage – September 16
On Saturday, September 16, 2023, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, will be the principal celebrant of the Pilgrimage Mass.
Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage – September 30
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph and the local charters of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary will host a National Rosary Pilgrimage to the Nation’s Preeminent Marian Shrine.
Diocese of Wilmington Pilgrimage – October 7
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the faithful of the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to join the Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington, to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Paterson Pilgrimage – October 14
On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the faithful of the Diocese of Paterson are invited to join the Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of Paterson, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Richmond Pilgrimage – October 21
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the faithful of the Diocese of Richmond are invited to join the Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Haitian Catholic Community Pilgrimage – December 2
On Saturday, December 2, 2023, the Haitian Catholic Community is invited to participate in the Annual Haitian Catholic Community Pilgrimage.
Archdiocese of Washington Walk with Mary Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe – December 9
On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Washington will hold their annual Walk with Mary procession and Mass to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. All are welcome to join.
If you are not able to join in one of these pilgrimages or would rather come with your own group, we invite you to submit a pilgrimage request to tailor a pilgrimage to the needs of your group.