Catholics from throughout the region are invited to participate in the May 7 Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
The theme for this year’s spiritual gathering is “The Many Faces of Mary.” The event will include visits to the shrine’s many Marian chapels, rosary, eucharistic adoration and a 2 p.m. Mass with Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien. There will also be opportunities for confession, as well as visits to the shrine’s gift shop and book shop.
“A pilgrimage is an opportunity to set aside time to be with God and leave behind the stuff of daily life that can distract us from our relationship with the Lord,” said Father Erik Arnold, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ellicott City and pilgrimage coordinator. “For this day in particular, it’s a chance for us to celebrate and appreciate that very special role the Lord gave to Mary in the history of salvation.”
The basilica is home to more than 70 chapels and oratories. Among the many images of the Blessed Virgin Mary that are featured include Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Mother of Africa.
Many parishes will be offering buses to Washington, Father Arnold said, and individuals are also invited to make their own travel arrangements. The pilgrimage begins at 10 a.m. in Washington and runs until 3 p.m.
For more information, send email to earnold@archbalt.org, call 410-747-4334 or visit www.olphparish.org/pilgrimage.