From Shrine to Shrine:
A Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.

A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey. 

It can be made anywhere, by anyone, for just about any spiritual purpose. For Catholics, it means traveling to a destination — whether it’s a holy site, outdoor space, or a spot near home — to experience God in a unique way. 

The goal is always transformation. Anyone can travel to a location, but the pilgrim seeks to encounter something deeper. In that way, a pilgrimage is never truly finished, because hopefully you will come back changed, unable to return to old ways of living or thinking.

It’s also more intentional. A pilgrimage is far more than an itinerary which includes cathedrals and Christian historical sites. It’s an intentional encounter with the story of God’s work in the world. Pilgrims are there to pray, celebrate Mass, and reflect on the significance of these places — to fully enter these sacred places with their hearts, minds, and souls. 

To learn more about pilgrimages, visit Verso Ministries.

We encourage pilgrims to converse for part of the pilgrimage by sharing their prayer intentions with those around them. There will also be opportunities to attend Mass with Archbishop Nelson Perez, participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offer communal prayers, go on a tour, visit the Gift Shop, and wander the grounds.

7:00 a.m.
Depart from the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia (Philadelphia, PA)

10:30 a.m.
Arrive at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.)

11:00 a.m.
Procession with the Holy Year Cross, followed by Keynote Address (available in English and Spanish)

11:30 a.m.
Penance Service & Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament

12:00 p.m.
Lunch (pilgrims need to bring their own lunch)

1:00 p.m.
Marian Service

2:00 p.m.
Personal Time

3:15 p.m.
Mass with Archbishop Nelson Perez

4:30 p.m.
Depart from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.)

6:30 p.m.
Stop for Dinner

9:00 p.m.
Arrive at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia (Philadelphia, PA)

The cost to reserve your seat on our chartered bus is $35 per person. This $35 will help subsidize the cost of doughnuts and coffee in the morning, and your seat on the bus. We have reserved a 56 passenger chartered bus through Adventure Tours, a Washington, D.C. based coach service.

Each pilgrim is asked to pack and bring their own bag lunch for the trip to Washington, D.C.

On the way back to Philadelphia, an hour will be allotted for a dinner break.

Neither lunch nor dinner is included in the $35 cost to attend the pilgrimage.