Posted October 22, 2019

Some 2,000 Catholics of the Philadelphia Archdiocese traveled to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the nation’s capital Oct. 19 for a day of devotion to the Blessed Mother and prayers in the numerous shrines in her honor at “America’s church.” See full coverage of the semiannual pilgrimage here. (Photos by Matthew Gambino)

  • Seminarian Eric Tamney leads a Marian procession of faithful from the Philadelphia Archdiocese through the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

  • Faithful from the Philadelphia Archdiocese participate in a Marian procession, part of a full day of devotions Oct. 19 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

  • Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Senior places a crown of flowers atop a statue of the Blessed Mother during a Marian devotion as Father Dennis Gill looks on. In the background at the rear of the basilica is the imposing Christ in Majesty mosaic.

  • A woman from the archdiocese places her hand-written prayer petition in a basket. All of the petitions were offered in the intercessory prayer during the day’s concluding Mass.

  • People wait for a priest to hear their confession in one of the many shrines dedicated to Mary at the basilica.

  • A couple prays at the Our Lady of Hope shrine at the basilica.

  • The massive Trinity Dome mosaic depicting Father, Son and Holy Spirit was dedicated in 2017 and marked the completion of the interior of the basilica, which was begun in 1920.

  • Catholics prepare for the celebration of the closing Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput, Oct. 19 during the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate conception in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Matthew Gambino)

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput (left) and Philadelphia’s auxiliary bishops plus other clergy exit the sanctuary of the basilica’s Great Upper Church at the conclusion of Mass.

  • A stained glass window in a side chapel of the basilica offers a welcome sight for Philadelphia pilgrims, reminding them of St. John Neumann, the Catholic education of children and the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

  • People take time to greet friends, take photos of the basilica and spend time in quiet prayer in the Great Upper church of the basilica.

  • At the rear of the basilica is the bas-relief “the Universal Call to Holiness,” behind which is the organ and rose window.