Thirty-five years to the day of the Diocese of Metuchen’s founding by then-Pope, now St. Pope John Paul II, Catholics who live, work and worship in the diocese will commemorate the occasion by making a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
The Nov. 19 pilgrimage marks the 30th anniversary of the diocese’s first pilgrimage to the Basilica, led by then-Bishop, now Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington. Hundreds of clergy, religious and lay faithful from the counties served by the diocese — Middlesex, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren — are expected to attend by bus, rail and car.
At the invitation of Bishop James Checchio, the new Apostolic Nuncio, Pope Francis’ ambassador to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, will serve as the principal celebrant and homilist at Mass, which is scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. Bishop Checchio and priests from the diocese will concelebrate the Mass.
Mary is honored at the Basilica as the Patroness of the United States. She is also the Patroness of the Diocese of Metuchen.
The bishop noted that the diocese’s anniversary comes as the celebration of this year’s Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which was proclaimed by Pope Francis, concludes Nov. 20.
Pilgrimage highlights include the ability for individuals to tour the shrine and its chapels, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, engage in personal prayer and reflection and enjoy a music prelude prior to the start of Mass. Pilgrims also will have an opportunity to enter through the Basilica’s Holy Door and receive the Holy Year Indulgence. Conditions for receiving the Indulgence are available at http://diometuchen.org/mercy.
Parishes and schools in the diocese are organizing individual or shared buses to transport clergy, religious and parishioners to the shrine. Ample parking is available around the area of the shrine for those who drive, and the train is an excellent option for those who prefer rail service over highway travel.
For more information, contact your local parish pilgrimage coordinator or Susan Kovach in the Chancery at 732-562-2439 or [email protected]. To find a list of parish pilgrimage coordinators, visit http://diometuchen.org/pilgrimage.