Diocesan Pilgrimage

Saturday 10-21-2023

All Day

Register for This Free Event Here!

Promotional Materials

Pilgrimage is October 21, 2023

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

Join Bishop Knestout and faithful from across the Commonwealth for a pilgrimage focused on the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist.

Pilgrims will be invited to talks, tours, Eucharistic Procession, Adoration, Music and Mass with Bishop Knestout, all surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the largest Catholic Church in North America. The Eucharistic focus of this pilgrimage supports the ongoing, nationwide Eucharistic Revival. This pilgrimage will offer resources in multiple languages.

As we continue the planning process we will be updating this page with information, schedules, and other information. Last Updated on August 10th

Registration
  • We request all pilgrims register by October 15th so we can prepare resources and scheduling.
Schedule
Full details will be published as they are finalized.
  • 9:30-10:00 a.m.  Pilgrims are asked to arrive
  • 9:30 a.m.  Check in begins at the entrance to the Basilica
  • 10:30 a.m.  Programming will begin in the Basilica
  • 4:00 p.m.  The Pilgrimage will conclude and buses can load for departure.
Sacraments
  • Mass will be celebrated while on pilgrimage.
  • Confessions will be heard throughout the day.
Lunch
  • There will be time for pilgrims to participate in the planned events and eat lunch.
  • The Basilica has an on-site cafeteria available.
  • There are many restaurants walking distance from the Basilica and surrounding the Catholic University Campus

Getting to the Pilgrimage

Car Transportation
  • We encourage pilgrims to drive and carpool.
  • The address of the National Basilica is 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017
  • There are two parking lots
    • Parking West Lot – (the largest parking lot) at the corner of  Irving Street NE and Michigan Ave NE (near 4th Street)
    • Parking East Lot – (much smaller lot) along the East side of the Basilica, bordering the campus of Catholic University
Train & Metro
  • Metro – Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA)
    • The closest stop to the Basilica is the Brookland-CUA Metro Station served by the Red Line.
    • The Brookland-CUA Metro Station is about a half mile walk (9 minutes) from the National Basilica – view a walking Map here.
  • Amtrak Train
    • Amtrak stops at Union Station (WAS)
    • The distance from Union Station to the Basilica is 3 miles
      • About 20 minutes by car (Uber, Lyft)
      • About 20 minutes by Washington Metro to the Brookline-CUA Metro Station
Buses
  • Sponsored by the Diocese
    • Space is limited and offered first come, first served.
    • Demand for buses in the Mid Atlantic is uncharacteristically high for our pilgrimage date.
      We unfortunately will not be able to add more buses once these fill.
    • View seat availability when you register using the link above.
      • Incarnation – Charlottesville (150 seats) –
        • Morning departure:  7 a.m.
        • Approximate Evening Return: 8 p.m. (includes one hour dinner stop)
      • Saint Andrew – Roanoke (160 seats)
        • Morning departure:  5:30 a.m.
        • Approximate Evening Return: 10:30 p.m. (includes one hour dinner stop)
      • Pastoral Center – Richmond (168 seats)
        • Morning departure:  7 a.m.
        • Approximate Evening Return: 8 p.m. (includes one hour dinner stop)
      • Saint Bede – Williamsburg (55 seats)
          • Morning departure:  6:30 a.m.
          • Approximate Evening Return:  8:30 p.m. (includes one hour dinner stop)
      • Knights of Columbus Hall at Holy Trinity – Norfolk (110 seats)
        • 211 W Government Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
        • Morning departure:  6 a.m.
        • Approximate Evening Return:  9 p.m. (includes one hour dinner stop)
      • Catholic High School – Virginia Beach (110 seats)
        • Morning departure:  5:30 a.m.
        • Approximate Evening Return:  10 p.m. (includes one hour dinner stop)
  • Chartered by a parish or other group
    • You are welcome to charter your own bus.
    • Please fill out this form so we can coordinate with  you.
Hotel
  • A hotel stay is not required for this pilgrimage
  • Pilgrims wishing to stay at a hotel before or after the pilgrimage are offered a group rate at the Hilton Fairfax.
    • The Hilton Fairfax is 28 miles from the Basilica, a 30-50 minute drive depending on traffic.
    • Hilton Fairfax, 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, Virginia 22033
    • Reserve a Room Here

About the National Eucharistic Revival


 Lead by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the multi-year National Eucharistic Revival is aimed at leading the faithful more deeply into the heart of Christ. With events planned at the parish, diocesan, and national levels, the Eucharistic Revival concludes with a five day Eucharistic Congress in July of 2024.