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Just over 1,000 people from across the Diocese of Richmond made a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Bishop Barry C. Knestout greeted pilgrims as they arrived, hundreds arriving on buses and hundreds of others driving their own cars.
The bishop offered Mass with over a dozen concelebrating priests from around the diocese. “Wow, what a beautiful sight it is to see all of you here!” said the bishop at the start of Mass.
During his homily, he shared some of his memories of the basilica, where he was ordained a priest. He then turned to his reflections on the readings, telling the pilgrims that God is with us today and throughout the pilgrimage of life.
The Mass ended with a Eucharistic procession around the basilica’s Upper Church. Many pilgrims later said the procession was the most powerful moment of the day.
Valerie Boswell, from Sacred Heart, Danville, said she came to the pilgrimage because she was looking for renewal in her faith. She said she found that renewal in confession and the Eucharistic procession.
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