
From Shrine to Shrine:
A Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
You’re invited to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia and faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for a special pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The cost to reserve your seat on our chartered bus is $35 per person. Information about the day can be found below. We hope that you will be able to join us!
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Pilgrimages are one of the earliest and most revered traditions of our Catholic faith. They are a physical demonstration of the faith that we have in the Paschal Mystery: Christ's life, death, and Resurrection. As the great 20th century mystic (and pilgrim) Thomas Merton writes, “Man instinctively regards himself as a wanderer and wayfarer, and it is second nature for him to go on pilgrimage in search of a privileged and holy place, a center and source of indefectible life.”
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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.
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7:00 a.m. | Depart from the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia (Philadelphia, PA)
11:30 a.m. | Arrive at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.)
Mass with Archbishop Nelson Perez, Opportunities for Reconciliation, prayers, tours, and visiting the Gift Shop
4:30 p.m. | Depart from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.)
9:00 p.m. | Arrive at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia (Philadelphia, PA)
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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.
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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.
If you have additional questions or need more information,
feel free to e-mail or call the Shrine Office: 215-546-8333.
