“Pilgrimage is a symbol of life. It makes us imagine that life… is a walk… A soul that doesn’t walk through life by doing good… to help others, and also who doesn’t walk through life seeking God and for the Holy Spirit to move from within, is a soul that ends up in mediocrity and spiritual poverty. Please: do not stand still in life!” – Pope Francis
Rooted in Judaic tradition and the journey to Jerusalem, the history of pilgrimages dates back to ancient times. The faithful continued this practice in the early days of Christianity, as they journeyed to the Holy Land to visit and pray at the places associated with the life of Christ. Today, they carry on this rich tradition that unites them with other Christians around the world through this shared act, embodying their devotion to Christ.
Upcoming 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, the Basilica serves as a place where the faithful can receive the same graces and indulgences as virtually any of the great Marian shrines in the world.
We invite you to participate in the great tradition of pilgrimage and view the schedule of pilgrimages happening at the Basilica this fall below!
27th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health – September 7
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the Indian American Catholic Association will hold its 27th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health. During 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.
Croatian Catholic Community Pilgrimage – September 8
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the Croatian Catholic Community will celebrate their annual Pilgrimage Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
First Catholic Slovak Union Pilgrimage – September 14
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, the First Catholic Slovak Union will celebrate their annual Pilgrimage Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Greensburg Pilgrimage – September 21
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg are invited to join the Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick, Bishop of Greensburg, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage – September 28
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, 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 Arlington Pilgrimage – October 5
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington are invited to join the Most Reverend Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Byzantine-Ruthenian Chapel – October 12
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburgh will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Byzantine-Ruthenian Chapel at the National Shrine with a pilgrimage, including a Divine Liturgy that will be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop William C. Skurla, D.D. of the Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) Metropolitan Church.
Diocese of Pittsburgh Pilgrimage – October 19
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh are invited to join the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Conventual Franciscan Pilgrimage – October 19
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Conventual Franciscans will hold their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Camden Pilgrimage – October 26
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the faithful of the Diocese of Camden are invited to join the Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop of Camden, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Harrisburg Pilgrimage – November 16
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the faithful of the Diocese of Harrisburg are invited to join the Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Haitian Catholic Community Pilgrimage – December 7
On Saturday, December 7, 2024, 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 14
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, 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.