Why Are You Going on a Pilgrimage?

 My cribbage partner asked me why I was going on a pilgrimage.

Why?

I was dumbfounded.  I probably said some inane thing, but since then I've been wondering what I should have said.

I am going on the Rosary Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Certainly, a pilgrimage should be more than just a journey to a place of religious interest.  It shouldn't be like, "Let's go see the Mary Garden."  "Let's go to a concert." 

One's thoughts should be directed towards God.  The journey to the place should be praying to expect special graces at the destination. So, it is a devotional component of our trip.

I'm looking for miracles.  At the basilica, I plan to pray for specific needs for my family, friends, country, and the world.  The journey down to the basilica is offered as part of my prayers. I'll take your intentions with me, too.

Start Novena

 Nine-month Novena starting January 30, 2023, Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC.  September 30, 2023, Vigil of Rosary Sunday. 

God our Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we are
adopted as your beloved sons and daughters.

At Pentecost you poured out the Holy Spirit
upon Our Lady and the Apostles
while they were at prayer.

Pour out that same Holy Spirit upon us 
as we meditate upon the mysteries of Christ
contained in the Most Holy Rosary.

wnlighten our faith, strengthen our hope, and
set us ablaze with love for you and our neighbor.

Graciously grant us St. Dominic's own zeal
for the salvation of souls.

Bless the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage.

May it lead many souls to Jesus through Mary,
so that we may know you and your saving power
now and for all eternity.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
St. Dominic, pray for us!

Rosary Pilgrimage

 Start planning.  The Dominican friars are planning a full-day event celebrating the Rosary on September 30, 2023.  It will take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. 

The day will include conferences on the Roasry preached by the friars, several hours of Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions, a recitation of the Rosary and Mass in the Upper Church, and a Eucharistic Procession.

The pilgrimage starts (spiritually) with a 9 month novena starting January 30, 2023.  You are invited to pray the Novena prayer on the 30th of each month between January 30 and September 30.  

Here is a promotional video. You can sign up there. 

Please pray for the evangelical fruitfulness of this event and help us promote it to everyone you know for the glory of God and the salvation of souls through increased devotion to the Holy Rosary.