Cardinal William H. Keeler and hundreds of Catholic young people, celebrate the beginning of Holy Week with a pilgrimage through downtown on Saturday, April 3.
In the spirit of this year’s focus for the pilgrimage – a reflection on heroes and sacrifices- the participants will examine those in the world around them whom they consider heroes, with a special reflection on Jesus, the ultimate hero whose sacrifice is brought into direct focus during Holy Week.
The journey will begin at 11:50 a.m. with a rally at Rash Field located at Baltimore’s Harbor. The pilgrims will begin with prayer. The procession will depart from Rash Field at 12:50 p.m. as the pilgrims carry a 10-foot wooden cross to several prayer sites.
The first stop will be Charles Center where they will gather for reflection and prayer in remembrance of the pilgrimage of Jesus. The next stop will be Mother Seton House located at 600 N. Paca Street where the Cardinal will join the pilgrims will hear testimonies of their faith and take part in the Blessing of the Palm. From there, the pilgrims will proceed to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary located on the corner of Cathedral and Mulberry Streets for Palm Sunday Liturgy celebrated by Cardinal Keeler.
Singer, songwriter Jesse Manibusan will perform a concert at 7:00 p.m. at Catholic Center, 320 Cathedral Street, for nearly 400 of the pilgrims. He will also perform at the Rash Field rally and during the Mass at the Basilica.
Photo opportunities
11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. – Rash Field – Rally & Carrying the Cross
1:30 p.m. – Charles Center (BGE Plaza) – Prayer
2:30 p.m. – Mother Seton House – Blessing of the Palm (Cardinal attending)
3:45 p.m. – Basilica of the Assumption – Mass (celebrated by Cardinal Keeler)