September 11, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2005, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. In this Year of the Eucharist, our theme for the pilgrimage is Mary, “Woman of the Eucharist”, Lead Us to Jesus!

I would like to invite you and your family and friends to join me at our diocesan pilgrimage. Father Francis Peffley, Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, is once again the coordinator of this year’s pilgrimage. We encourage you to spread the word throughout our diocese about this wonderful spiritual opportunity for all people of the Diocese of Arlington. We also encourage all parish groups to attend, especially the youth, young adults, RCIA classes, Catholic school and religious education students and their families.

The Pilgrimage includes a Eucharistic Procession in the Great Upper Church and around the Basilica. The Rosary will be recited in many languages followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. The music will be lead by Mark Forrest and the Diocesan choir. Over forty priests will be available to hear confessions and two talks will be available to the youth. Our diocesan pilgrimage will end with Holy Mass concelebrated by the priests of our diocese; our seminarians and deacons will also be participating. This will be the culminating event to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist as a Diocesan family.

I look forward to seeing you in October. I truly thank you for joining me in this grace-filled pilgrimage.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington

Office of the BishoplDiocese of Arlington
200 North Glebe RoadlSuite 914lArlington, Virginia 22203l(703) 841-2511lFAX (703) 524-5028