Year of Faith Pilgrimage to Washington D.C.

Article by Sophomore Michael Duffy:
On Saturday, September 28, Kellenberg and Chaminade students along with members of the Marianist Community attended the Year of Faith Pilgrimage at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Early Saturday morning, the pilgrims traveled by bus to the Basilica. There were 61 buses that came to the Basilica which contained a little more than 3,000 people. As soon as we pilgrims got to Washington, D.C. we prayed the Angelus at 12:00 in the Upper Church.  Bishop Murphy welcomed us to the Basilica.  The President of the Catholic University, John Garvey J.D., spoke about how everyone can live the Year of Faith.  After Dr. Garvey spoke to the pilgrims, there was time for Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions in the Crypt Chapel (Lower Church). After this, all the pilgrims from various parishes were lead in a rosary prayer service by Bishop Robert Brennan. Two students from various Catholic High Schools lead a decade of the rosary.  As the prayer service ended, we were directed to the Upper Church for the Mass.  The celebrant for the Mass was Bishop William Murphy along with the priests from all the parishes that were in attendance.  The Mass was a very spectacular event.  The Kellenberg and Chaminade pilgrims returned home late that night.  A few other students stayed in Emmanuel Retreat House that night and went home Sunday in the middle of the day.