As America’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 Blessed Mother, it is a destination for nearly one million visitors annually. At the heart of a pilgrimage are the sacraments, most centrally Confession and the Eucharist. A plenary indulgence is available during the jubilee for all pilgrims visiting the Shrine under the normal conditions.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we invite you to participate in this great tradition – view the full schedule of fall pilgrimages happening at the Basilica below!
28th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health – September 6
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Indian American Catholic Association will hold its 28th 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.
Diocese of Pittsburgh Pilgrimage – September 13
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh are invited to join the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop Emeritus of Pittsburgh, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Events of the day include a seated overview tour, a choral concert, and more!
First Catholic Slovak Union Pilgrimage – September 13
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the First Catholic Slovak Union will celebrate their annual Pilgrimage Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Join us for a seated overview tour, a procession to the Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel, and more!
Croatian Catholic Community Pilgrimage – September 14
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Croatian Catholic Community will celebrate their annual Pilgrimage Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Metuchen Pilgrimage – September 20
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, will be the principal celebrant of the Pilgrimage Mass.
Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage – September 27
The Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage is a full day national event celebrating Our Lady and the Rosary in Washington, D.C. Led by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph, this event features book signings, a concert by the Hillbilly Thomists, and more.
Diocese of Scranton Pilgrimage – October 1
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Allentown Pilgrimage – October 7
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Seated overview tours will be held in both English and Spanish, in addition to a Youth Holy Hour and a Rosary Rally.
Diocese of Wilmington Pilgrimage – October 11
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, 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 Altoona-Johnstown Pilgrimage – October 17
On Friday, October 17, 2025, the faithful of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Newark Pilgrimage – October 18
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, 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. The day will include an organ concert, a procession of banners, a recitation of the Rosary, and more.
Diocese of Brooklyn Pilgrimage – October 25
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Philadelphia Pilgrimage – October 28
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. You won’t want to miss the day’s events – including a seated overview tour, a carillon concert, and more!
Brazilian Apostolate Pilgrimage: Our Lady of Aparecida – November 8
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Brazilian Apostolate Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Aparecida will take place.
Haitian Catholic Community Pilgrimage – December 6
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, 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 13
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, 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.