By Chris Donahue
Staff Writer

Because we are all pilgrims searching for the meaning of life, following God’s will is the path we must take to find it, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski told members of the diocese who traveled Sept. 20 to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington as part of the 2003 Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving.

On a warm, sunny, late summer day, about 2,200 members of the diocese traveled by bus or drove themselves for the seventh pilgrimage to the basilica since the diocese held its first one in 1986. The pilgrimage was organized by Clare Giangreco, associate director of the diocesan Office of Development.

Reflecting upon his first pilgrimage to the basilica as head of the diocese, Bishop Bootkoski said that he was deeply honored to lead this year’s pilgrimage and envisions many more over the years to come.

"The Diocesan Pilgrimage Committee did an outstanding job and deserves our thanks for their hard work and dedication," he said.

During the procession into the basilica, Bishop Bootkoski said he was " moved by the beautiful and heartwarming sight of so many of our faithful."

"What a powerful testimony it was to the faith and goodness of our people," he added. Bishop Bootkoski also noted that he is sincerely grateful that more than 46 busloads of people made the long trip to Washington, even though many were rightfully concerned about the after-effects of Hurricane Isabel. And he expressed his appreciation to the more than 40 priests who took time from their already busy schedules to concelebrate the liturgy.

During his homily, Bishop Bootkoski said the pilgrimage was "thanksgiving for our community of faith." He also said we are called to be caring and loving persons.

"We must realize we have found the right path on our journey of life," the bishop said. "We are called to holiness. We look at Mary as our model – so human, so real, so selfless, so caring, so loving, always thinking first of others. She realized she had found a new and genuine freedom in her call to holiness.

"My sisters and brothers, we are all here for the same reason – we are called to holiness no matter what our state in life is. As Pope John Paul II says, the call to holiness is universal."

Upon arriving at the basilica about 11 a.m., pilgrims had an opportunity for confession in several chapels. The Angelus and welcome were held at noon, followed by the Marian Cantata by the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage Choir, the Crowning of Mary and a tour of the shrine.

Continue reading story

A look back at past pilgrimages