Newark Archdiocesan 50th Anniversary Pilgrimage Highlights & Photos from St. Peter’s

On September 16, 2023, 46 pilgrims from St. Peter the Apostle Parish River Edge and St. Joseph’s Parish Oradell / New Milford participated in the Newark Archdiocesan 50th anniversary pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The St. Peter’s group was led by Deacon Andy Golden and promoter Debbie Daly. It is estimated that a total of 2,500 to 3,000 people journeyed on the pilgrimage, in which 60 buses were used to transport the pilgrims from northern New Jersey to Washington, D.C.

Our pilgrims kindly shared some photos and tales of their journey of sacred structures, awesome worship and prayer, special meet n’ greets, and peaceful adventure!

A smooth bus trip

The 46 pilgrims traveling on this spiritual adventure! Everyone was grateful for their bus driver from Saddle River Tours who found ways around heavy traffic, and for Great Foods in Oradell for donating a breakfast bag to nourish them as they set out for this spiritual adventure. They say it was an easy and enjoyable trip!

A warm welcoming

Bishop Michael welcoming a pilgrim to the Shrine. Upon arrival, the pilgrims were greeted by both Bishop Michael Saporito and Cardinal Joseph Tobin.

St. Peter's / St. Joseph's pilgrimage group

PHOTO CREDIT: Archdiocese of Newark. St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s pilgrims with their parish banners, Cardinal Tobin and Bishop Michael.

Parish banners

The parish banners from St. Peter’s on the left and St. Joseph’s on the right. Debbie Daly, Phil De Rosa and Pat Fakharzadeh — the parish promoters for this pilgrimage — are pictured.

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel

Pilgrims praying in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in the Crypt Level of the National Shrine

Our Lady of Good Health

Many prayed in the chapel of Our Lady of Good Health.

Prayer cards from the parishes

The special intention prayer cards of those who could not attend the pilgrimage were placed in these baskets and brought into the sanctuary. The parishioners of St. Joseph and St. Peter were also prayed for so that all of us were spiritually present at the basilica.

Praying the rosary

Bishop Michael leading the recitation of the rosary.

Peaceful prayer

A candid photo of Cardinal Tobin praying the rosary in a quiet corner of the basilica.

Sacristy entrance with umbraculum

The entrance to the sacristy. Note the umbraculum (the pope’s umbrella) to the left of the door — a symbol that a pope has designated the National Shrine as a basilica.

Clergy preparing for mass

A behind-the-scenes look at the clergy preparing for mass in one of the largest and most ornate sacristies in the United States.

Vesting up

Three handsome deacons vesting for mass. 

Deacon Andy's view during mass

The spectacular view from Deacon Andy’s chair in the sanctuary. Over 2,500 worshippers were gathered. Note the bas-relief sculpture of Pentecost under the rose window. It depicts the Holy Spirit is descending upon the Apostles and then upon all the worshippers seated below in the basilica. There is no doubt that God poured his grace upon all the pilgrims that day — the fruits of which will be manifested for a long time.

Bas-relief sculpture of Pentecost

Close up of the bas-relief sculpture of Pentecost.

Clergy at end of mass

Cardinal Tobin and the clergy at the conclusion of mass in the sacristy.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, thank you for your prayers to your Son making this pilgrimage a grace-filled time.