Bishop Brennan leads thousands of faithful from Diocese of Brooklyn to National Shrine of Immaculate Conception

Since the pandemic, this was the first time the diocese had made a pilgrimage to the shrine. (Photo by DDP on Unsplash)

Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan has recently led a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with over 3,000 faithful from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The pilgrimage was reportedly held on Saturday, October 22. Since the pandemic, this was the first time the diocese had made a pilgrimage to the shrine.

Bishop Brennan made a point of mentioning the fact that the pilgrimage took place on the Feast Day of Saint Pope John Paul II throughout the 19-minute homily that he delivered at the Mass.

He then reminded the congregation when Saint Pope John Paul II served as pope. The pope reportedly appealed to Catholics to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and do their best to do so.

Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception

In an article from The Tablet, Father Joseph Gibino, vicar for evangelization and catechesis, stated that the pilgrimage was successful.

The event also added that a participant represented practically every ethnic apostolate in the diocese at some point during the event.

He said the faithful boarded 53 buses for the trip to Washington D.C., and the pilgrimage included participation from dozens of parishes across the diocese.

According to Msgr. Sean Ogle, who served as the vicar for clergy and consecrated life, the basilica was packed to its maximum capacity for the Mass, serving as the trip's primary focus.

He reported that there was not a single empty seat in the place. Even the smaller chapels off to the side were packed.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recognized the basilica as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage. The agency said that they believed the basilica is the most significant Roman Catholic Church in North America and is a pilgrimage destination.

According to Msgr. Ogle, officials from the basilica, reported to diocese leaders that the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine on Saturday was the highest since the epidemic began.

After the service, Bishop Brennan shared his thoughts about the congregation's attendance on Facebook, writing, "What a sight it was to see our diocese filling the church to the full."

"These adults, adolescents, and children responded to the invitation of Jesus to follow Him,” he added.

Basilica of National Shrine of Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception takes great pride in its ability to depict the varied and abundant history of the United States.

The National Shrine represents the racial and cultural diversity of the United States of America and the cohesion and universality of the Catholic Church.

It reportedly serves as a home to more than 80 chapels and oratories dedicated to the Mother of God and represents people from every region of the world.

The National Shrine is often called "America's Catholic Church." As explained, the successive generations of devout American Catholics constructed it to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as the Immaculate Conception, revered as the patroness of the country.

Additionally, it offers visitors the opportunity for a more profound conversion, a step forward on the road to God, with Mary serving as the inspiration for that journey.