BRIDGEPORT—People throughout the diocese are responding to Bishop Frank Caggiano’s call to join him in a diocesan pilgrimage to Washington D. C. on September 23.
As of today, the diocese has reserved more than 15 buses for the special, one-day pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a day of prayer and worship.
“The response to the Bishop’s invitation has been inspiring,” said Patrick Donovan, director of the new diocesan Leadership Institute, which is coordinating the day. “The Bishop has issued a call to people of all ages to join him in what will be a joyful and memorable day for the diocese.”
Buses will depart at 7 am from St. Jude Parish in Monroe, the Catholic Center in Bridgeport and Trinity High School in Stamford. They are expected to return at 11:30 pm on the same day.
Some parishes, schools and youth groups are also arranging their own buses based on the enthusiastic response, Donovan said. There is still plenty of time to register for the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage day will include arrival at the basilica grounds at 1 pm, with Mass celebrated by Bishop Caggiano at 2 pm followed by a procession and dedication of a new outdoor Rosary Path and shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.
The new shrine, created in an effort led by Bishop Caggiano, will honor all young people while celebrating the 100th anniversary of this appearance of Our Lady, who appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917 and asked them to pray the Rosary.
The diocesan pilgrimage grew out of the “Face of Prayer” campaign launched by the Bishop earlier this year to encourage youth and people of all ages to deepen their prayer life. It is also a continuation of the renewal called for by the diocesan Synod, Donovan said.
Donovan said he would like to see more than 1,500 people make the trip to D.C. for a day of prayer. The Mass at the National Basilica on September 23 will be covered live by EWTN.
“Those who would prefer to travel to Washington D.C. on Friday and stay overnight before the pilgrimage can make a reservation though Little Flower Tours and Travel by toll free: 888.843.7373
To register and pay online and indicate what location you would like to board and return on the bus, please email thefaceofprayer@diobpt.org Or call: 203.416.1670
