“A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith, for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply… Such moments always help us to grow, for through them the Holy Spirit gently fashions us to be ever more closely conformed to the mind and the heart of Jesus Christ.” – Pope Leo XIV
As America’s preeminent Marian shrine, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is designated as a national sanctuary of prayer and pilgrimage 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. It 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 and participate in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
We invite you to participate in the great tradition of pilgrimage and view the schedule of pilgrimages happening at the Basilica this fall below!
29th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health – September 12
This year, the Indian American Catholic Association will hold its 29th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health on Saturday, September 12, 2026. 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 13
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Croatian Catholic Community will celebrate their annual Pilgrimage Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and Lourdes Immersive Experience – September 18-20
This fall, the Basilica is pleased to welcome the Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous! During this unique three-day event, visitors can venerate the relics of St. Bernadette in the Great Upper Church and visit the Basilica’s Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes for an immersive experience inspired by the Grotto in Lourdes, France, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. There, you can touch a rock from the Grotto, wash with water from the Lourdes spring, light a candle in prayer, and entrust your petitions to Our Lady.
Diocese of Greensburg Pilgrimage – September 19
The faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg are invited to join the Most Reverend Larry Kulick, Bishop of Greensburg, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Events of the day include: a seated overview tour, a recitation of the Rosary, and more!
Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage – September 26
Join us Saturday, September 26, 2026, for the annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The 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.
Conventual Franciscan Pilgrimage – October 10
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, we welcome the Conventual Franciscans to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for their annual pilgrimage.
Diocese of Paterson Pilgrimage – October 17
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the faithful of the Diocese of Paterson are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Richmond Pilgrimage – October 24
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the faithful of the Diocese of Richmond are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Diocese of Camden Pilgrimage – November 7
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the faithful of the Diocese of Camden are invited to participate in their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
First Catholic Slovak Union Pilgrimage – November 14
On Saturday, November 14, 2026, the First Catholic Slovak Union will celebrate their annual Pilgrimage Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Haitian Catholic Community Pilgrimage – December 5
On Saturday, December 5, 2026, 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 12
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, 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.