Pilgrimage to nation’s capital to include visits to holy sites

The exterior of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (File photo by Brandon A. Evans)

By Mary Ann Wyand

The nation’s capital offers a variety of memorable opportunities for tourists to enjoy historical and educational experiences in scenic and entertaining places.

Catholics will especially appreciate the many unique, faith-based tourism activities in Washington, D.C.

An archdiocesan pilgrimage to the District of Columbia and Virginia on May 10-14 will focus on tours of important Catholic sites and include visits to a number of historic monuments as well as museums.

Father John Beitans, the pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in Indianapolis, will serve as the spiritual director for the pilgrimage at the request of Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein.

In 1982, Archbishop Buechlein appointed Father Beitans as the archdiocese’s director of activities for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

As part of that ministry, Father Beitans attends national meetings at the basilica each year.

He enjoys showing visitors the fascinating places to go and amazing things to do in the nation’s capital, and is looking forward to leading the pilgrimage.

“A pilgrimage is like a retreat on wheels,” Father Beitans explained during a March 22 phone interview. “We will pray the rosary on the bus, and celebrate Mass each day in very special and unforgettable settings. As most retreats do, it has one focus—our love and respect for our Lord and also for Our Lady because we’re going to visit the beautiful Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.”

Washington has been called “the Vatican of the United States,” he said, due to its many noteworthy Catholic locations and the headquarters of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Archdiocesan pilgrims will celebrate a eucharistic liturgy in the crypt church of the basilica, he said, then tour the national shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Other pilgrimage destinations include the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, The Catholic University of America and St. Matthew Cathedral.

Indiana is well represented at the national shrine, Father Beitans explained, because the basilica and shrine are constructed with limestone from quarries near Bedford.

The late Archbishop John F. Noll of Fort Wayne, who led the national fundraising campaign to build the Marian shrine, is another Hoosier connection.

Archbishop Noll’s contributions to the construction of the shrine over many years are acknowledged with a plaque near the entrance to the crypt church.

The pilgrimage is a wonderful way to observe the Year for Priests, Father Beitans said, because many archdiocesan seminarians and priests have studied theology at The Catholic University of America adjacent to the national shrine.

The huge National Mall downtown is home to historic and educational sites that range from the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court building and Smithsonian Museums, he said, to beautiful monuments built to honor several presidents and memorials that commemorate the sacrifices of veterans during five wars.

Washington’s tourism sites represent so much of American history, Father Beitans said, and are of interest to every visitor.

“From my faith perspective, I like to say that the National Mall is laid out as a cross,” he explained. “The heart of the cross is the Washington Monument, which is an obelisk, and the foot of it is the U.S. Capitol. The Jefferson and Lincoln memorials are on one [side] of the cross and the White House is on the other arm.”

Carolyn Noone, associate director of special events for the archdiocese, said the pilgrims will also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery just across the Potomac River in Virginia.

A Washington tour guide will join the pilgrims for an afternoon of sightseeing on the National Mall, she said, and the group will enjoy an evening meal at the famous Gadsby’s Tavern, a historic restaurant which was visited by presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

(The May 10-14 pilgrimage includes deluxe motor coach transportation, deluxe hotel accommodations for four nights, five continental breakfasts, one lunch, three dinners, admission fees and a guided tour. The cost is $839 per person for single occupancy hotel rooms, $639 per person for double occupancy rooms and $589 per person for triple occupancy rooms. For more information or to register, call Carolyn Noone at 317-236-1428 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1428, or send an e-mail to cnoone@archindy.org. The pilgrimage itinerary and registration form are posted online at www.archindy.org/pilgrimage/shrine2010.html.) †