By Michael F. Flach
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 4/7/05)

The Arlington Diocese will celebrate the Year of the Eucharist on Oct. 15 with a pilgrimage led by Bishop Paul S. Loverde to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. 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 — "Woman of the Eucharist, Lead Us to Jesus" — contains both a Eucharistic and Marian dimension. Pope John Paul II proclaimed a "Year of the Eucharist" for the universal Church running from October 2004 through October 2005.

This year’s pilgrimage is expected to include adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary, Eucharistic procession, confession and tours of the Shrine. Bishop Loverde will be the celebrant and homilist at the closing Mass at 1 p.m.

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 on the Year of the Eucharist.

Father Francis Peffley, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville, is pilgrimage coordinator. He also coordinated the 2003 pilgrimage. Other members of the planning committee include Father Mark S. Mealey, O.S.F.S., vicar general and episcopal vicar for pastoral services; Father Paul de Ladurantaye, secretary for religious education and sacred liturgy; Father Terry Specht, interim director of the Office of Child Protection and Safety; Richard Gibala, music director at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More; Father Richard A. Mullins, director of Multicultural Ministries and associate director of the Spanish Apostolate; Kevin Bohli, director of Youth Ministry; Bob Laird, director of Family Life; Ann Meier, secretary for the bishop; and Betty Childers, director of major gifts for the Office of Development.

The multi-cultural diversity of the diocese will be incorporated into the festivities. In addition to the rosary, the prayers of the faithful will be recited in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Tagalog.

Additional information about the pilgrimage will be posted on the diocesan Web site (www.arlingtondiocese.org) and distributed to parishes during the coming months.