Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. took place on Saturday, April 12, 2008. At the request of the third Bishop of Raleigh, Most Reverend Vincent S. Waters, Pope Pius XII dedicated the Diocese of Raleigh to Our Lord under the Patronage of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1955. The Papal decree announcing this dedication hangs in our Diocesan Catholic Center. With our nation and our Diocese dedicated to Our Blessed Mother under this title, it is only good and proper that we made a pilgrimage to Her National Shrine.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage was a wonderful witness to our faith as we gathered around the Shrine of Our Blessed Lady and prayed together for our Diocese, for our nation and for peace. People of all ages (Over 1500), from various cultures, from every walk of life, from nearly every parish and from every Diocesan organization were there to worship Christ and Honor His Blessed Mother.

Our thanks to Monsignors Thomas Hadden and Gerald Lewis, Father JaVan Saxon, Father Scott McCue, Father Joseph Vetter, Brother Giovanni Ada, CICM and Mr. Michael Hagarty of the Pilgrimage Planning Committee with Monsignor Lewis and Father Saxon serving as the Co-Chairs. This Committee -coordinating with the Deans, Pastors and Pastoral Administrators assured the greatest participation of the faithful in this pilgrimage.

I believe our prayers have been answered for success in this great endeavor for the faithful of our Diocese, and that the Lord will bless us all abundantly with many graces.

Shown below are a few candid photos from our pilgrimage...

 

Sincerely in Christ,

 

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Raleigh