By Michael F. Flach
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/24/03)

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will lead a diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Saturday, Oct. 18. All diocesan families and individuals are encouraged to participate in this special bi-annual event. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The pilgrimage theme is "The Rosary: Our Spiritual Treasure." It was taken from Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae," in which the Holy Father declared a "Year of the Rosary" running from October 2002 to October 2003.

Each person attending the diocesan pilgrimage will receive a complimentary rosary, a brochure on how to pray the rosary, and a copy of the pope’s apostolic letter.

"The rosary, reclaimed in its full meaning, goes to the very heart of Christian life," said the pope. "It offers a familiar yet fruitful spiritual and educational opportunity for personal contemplation, the formation of the People of God, and the new evangelization."

The pope said the most important reason for strongly encouraging the practice of the rosary "is that it represents a most effective means of fostering among the faithful that commitment to the contemplation of the Christian mystery," which he proposed in the Apostolic Letter "Novo Millennio" as a "genuine training in holiness."

Father Francis Peffley, administrator of Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville, is pilgrimage coordinator. Other members of the planning committee include Father Mark S. Mealey, O.S.F.S., episcopal vicar for pastoral services; Father Paul de Ladurantaye, secretary for religious education and sacred liturgy; Father Michael Taylor, director of youth activities; Dr. Richard Gibala, music director at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More; Father Ovidio Pecharroman, director of the Spanish Apostolate Office; Father Richard Mullins, associate director of the Spanish Apostolate Office; and Ann Meier, coordinator of the Multicultural Ministries Project.

The tentative schedule includes a multi-lingual recitation of the rosary beginning at 10 a.m., confessions in the lower basilica, tours of the Shrine’s side chapels and Mass celebrated by Bishop Loverde beginning at 1 p.m.

The day will incorporate the multi-cultural diversity of the diocese. In addition to the rosary, the prayers of the faithful will be recited in five languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Tagalog.

For additional information about the pilgrimage contact Father Peffley at 703/753-6700.