On Saturday, October 27, 2007 pilgrims from Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, along with our partner parish St. Leo's in Elmwood Park, filled a bus and headed for The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. It was "Archdiocese of Newark Day" at the Shrine. Although we left in the pouring rain, the sun broke through just as we passed the "Welcome to Washington, DC" sign. It was a spiritual day which included a tour of the Shrine with over 60 side altars, the crypt church below and the Marion gardens on the grounds. The mosaic work in the Shrine is truly inspiring. Along with a display of the Papal Tiara used by Pope Paul VI and the hand embroidered stole worn by Pope John XX111 at the opening of the Vatican II Council, the Shrine is filled with priceless Catholic art and sculpture. The day also included a bell concert, an organ concert, a procession of parish banners (ours carried by Mr. Dudzic), recitation of the rosary by the over 4,000 pilgrims, and a Mass concelebrated by over 100 priests (Fr. Mirek representing MSH) with Bishop Edgar da Cunha, SDV as the main celebrant. The Archdiocese of Newark makes this pilgrimage every three years - if you have not made the trip before - be sure to sign up for the next one! With the Catholic University of America along with the Seminary, abutting the grounds with numerous convents, and the John Paul II Cultural Center it is a unique experience to immerse yourself in our Faith. Give yourself a spiritual gift and come on the next pilgrimage...
A special THANK YOU to Sr. Vicky and Dominic DiBernardo for planning such a great day!
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