Pilgrimage preparations underway
PISCATAWAY — Every step of a pilgrimage is filled with meaning, and every pilgrimage is different. Those preparing for the diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington know their Sept. 16 trip will be unique, whether it is their first time making the trek or their fifth.
The upcoming pilgrimage is part of the Diocese of Metuchen’s year long celebration of the 25th anniversary of its establishment by Pope John Paul II in 1981.
“What we do Sept. 16 isn’t an isolated activity,” said Msgr. Michael J. Alliegro, executive director, diocesan Department of Worship and Liturgical Formation. The silver jubilee celebration has included several major events, such as the presentation of Regina Nostra Medals and papal honors and, most recently, the elevation of four priests in the diocese to Chaplains to His Holiness with the title Reverend Monsignor.
Msgr. Alliegro said the pilgrimage to the basilica will be a spiritual experience. “It will be a day of grace that inspires us,” he said.
Approximately 100 parish coordinators met June 28 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center to begin preparing for the pilgrimage, which is part of an ongoing series of celebrations marking the diocese’s silver anniversary. There they received everything from maps of the basilica to information about restaurants to stop at on the way home so their parish’s pilgrims get the most from their journey.
Importance of pilgrimage
Carol Gall, a member of Holy Trinity Parish, Perth Amboy, has completed several pilgrimages to the basilica. This year, she’s pilgrimage coordinator for her parish. Every time she goes, she finds something different. During her last pilgrimage, she discovered the Mother of Sorrows Oratory. The Mother of Sorrows is the patron of the Slovak people.
“I like to visit the different chapels that are there,” Gall said.
In total, the basilica offers 60 chapels and 12 oratories in addition to the main sanctuary. It is the largest church in the western hemisphere and the seventh-largest religious structure in the world. Millions of pilgrims visit from around the world every year.
In the diocese, at least 80 parishes will be sending pilgrims to Washington. Msgr. Alliegro said he expects at least 50 buses to make the journey.
“Pilgrimage, as Catholic Christians, is part of our Catholic history,” said Msgr. Alliegro. “If you look in Psalms, some begin with ‘Hallelujah.’ They were sung when the children of Israel were on pilgrimage to Israel.
“Jesus was on pilgrimage frequently,” he continued, mentioning Jesus’ early childhood presentation in the Temple and being lost in the Temple as two examples. “Pilgrimage was a part of his Jewish roots.”
Following his death and resurrection, the places Jesus visited became pilgrimage destinations for early Christians; then other locations became places for pilgrimage as well. “Traveling in those days was difficult,” Msgr. Alliegro said. “When you couldn’t go to a place where Jesus lived, you went to an alternate.”
Diocesan significance
The diocese’s tradition of pilgrimage began during its fifth anniversary celebration when then-Bishop Theodore E. McCarrick led pilgrims to the basilica. Since then, every Metuchen bishop has led at least one such journey. In addition to jubilee pilgrimages every five years, bishops have led pilgrims to Washington for other occasions, including the Marian year jubilee and the millennium celebration.
The pilgrimage experience will begin before pilgrims even arrive in Washington. As their buses leave the parish parking lot, a prayer service will be celebrated asking for God’s blessings and protection during the journey. Pilgrims will also pray the Rosary as they make their way to the basilica.
Each group of pilgrims will have the choice of praying the Joyful Mysteries, which are standard for Saturdays, or the new Luminous Mysteries. “As Mary is the patroness of both the United States and Metuchen, the Rosary is an important part of our pilgrimage,” said Lori Brower, diocesan chancellor.
Schedule for the day
Upon their arrival in Washington, pilgrims can go to confession, heard by priests of the diocese in the Crypt Church, located beneath the basilica sanctuary. At noon, Msgr. Walter R. Rossi, cathedral rector, will welcome pilgrims. The diocesan festival jubilee choir will then sing and lead children on the pilgrimage during the crowning of Mary.
Following the concert, pilgrims will have time to tour the basilica or listen to a presentation about the history and architectural highlights of the basilica.
Mass begins at 2 p.m. with a procession of parishes during which a parishioner will carry a banner to the front of the basilica near the sanctuary. Once the procession is complete, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski will celebrate the pilgrimage’s eucharistic liturgy. Members of the diocese in ethnic dress will present gifts. Intentions for the Mass will be collected during the bus ride to the basilica and placed in the sanctuary prior to Mass.
While the pilgrimage is still two months away, the anticipation is building. “I’m excited,” said Sister Barbara Haworth, a Sister of Jesus Our Hope, who is pilgrimage coordinator for St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction. “I think this preparation beforehand is important so parishes are included in the procession, the tour and the prayer experience.”
If you are interested in the diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, contact your parish or call Carol MacDermott, vice chancellor, (732) 562-1990, ext. 2409.
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law