From all corners of the diocese, people will journey “In Communion with Jesus” on a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Nov. 7 where they will gather with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for a day of prayer, praise, reflection and fellowship.

Faithful from the Diocese of Trenton have been making a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Washington since 1972. Pilgrims from Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties have learned of the history of the Church and wondered at tthe exquisite artwork and architecture of the building made entirely of stone, brick, tile and mortar without steel structural beams, framework or columns.

From the time the pilgrims board their buses early in the morning to the time they arrive home mid-evening, the day will be one of prayer and devotion. Pilgrims will begin their worship by praying Morning Prayer and reciting decades of the Rosary on their bus ride down to Washington.

As he has for previous pilgrimages, Bishop O’Connell will be in Washington before the buses from New Jersey arrive, so that he can be there to personally greet his flock with his usual warm smile, firm handshake and friendly conversation.

Day of Prayer, Praise

Buses are expected to arrive in Washington by noon. Upon disembarking, pilgrims will be presented with a number of items designed to aid them in prayer and appreciation of the Shrine known as the Mother Church of the United States. A bilingual worship aid which includes the Order of Worship, a full agenda of the day, a diagram of the Basilica, prayers, a list of instructions to prepare for Penance and other pertinent facts will be distributed, “Pilgrim Passports” of the shrine will be available for children (see Page 21), and each pilgrim will receive a Miraculous Medal in honor of Our Lady.

Pilgrims are invited to join Bishop O’Connell in the Great Upper Church to pray the Angelus and the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, then conduct a “tour of faith” with Msgr. Vito A. Buonanno, director of pilgrimages at the National Shrine.

At 12:45 p.m., children are extended a special invitation to tour the Shrine’s Upper and Lower Churches to fill their passports. At 1:30 p.m., these young Communicants will have a special period of catechesis with the Bishop in Memorial Hall. Adults and others will be offered the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Crypt Church, tour the shrine and visit its many chapels. The Bishop will repeat his catechetical session at 2:30 p.m.

The day will culminate with the celebration of Mass by Bishop O’Connell at 3 p.m. in the Great Upper Church. Representatives from throughout the Diocese are scheduled to be active participants. Readers will hail from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank; the gifts of bread and wine will be carried to the altar by members of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, and Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly, and the Rosary will be led by parishioners in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River.

On the way home, the pilgrims will pray Evening Prayer and decades of the Rosary.

As with all major diocesan events and liturgies, the Diocesan Festival Choir, under the direction of Shawn Mack, will lead the congregation in song. Music was chosen with care to offer reverence, beauty, joy and adoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“Lord, You Give the Great Commission” by Jeffrey Rowthorn will be the Entrance Hymn. The Responsorial Psalm is “My Soul Rejoices,” which contains text from the Magnificat, and Franz Biebl’s haunting “Ave Maria” is scheduled for the Presentation of the Gifts.

“Bread of Life From Heaven,” a bilingual score by Jaime Cortez, will be sung for the Communion Hymn, and the recessional hymn to be sung by the congregation at the close of the Mass will be the timeless “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.”