Diocese of Wilmington Marian Pilgrimage 2021
Most Rev. William E. Koenig
Bishop of Wilmington
Join Bishop Koenig on his first pilgrimage to the National Shrine as a Bishop along with the Priests of the Diocese of Wilmington and bring your prayers to 'Mary's House'
Be a part of salvation history by bringing your petitions, family, friends and, above all, yourself, to Jesus through Mary, the Immaculate Conception
Welcome!
Dear Fellow Pilgrims,
With joy in our Lord Jesus Christ, welcome to the 2021 Annual Diocesan Marian Pilgrimage with Bishop William Koenig, his first as a Bishop and as our Bishop.
You have arrived at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, affectionately known as “Mary’s House.”
Our Lady is welcoming us into her home as her most cherished guests. As in any home, there are images and art that let us know who lives in the house and what is most important to those who live there. In “Mary’s House,” she gives pride of place to her Son and wants to bring us more closely to Him and, with Him, to those billion faithful souls around the world who profess Him as Savior and King. That is why we will see some 150 chapels dedicated to Our Lady from all over the world here in the Basilica, in “Mary’s House.”
Whether you are visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine for the first time or whether you are returning to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, may this time of pilgrimage in this sacred place be filled with many blessings. May you draw more closely to Our Lady as a result and, therefore, more closely and dearly to her Son, Jesus Christ.
God love you!
Fr. Brian S. Lewis
Spiritual Director and Coordinator of the Annual Diocesan Marian Pilgrimage
Features of the Day
Tour the National Basilica Shrine
See the Great Upper Church with its many chapels
Tour the Crypt Church - the first Church built on site
Take a guided tour or pick up tour booklet in the bookstore
Mary's Garden
Walk and pray in the beautiful garden dedicated to the Blessed Mother which is on the grounds of that National Basilica Shrine
St. John Paul II National Shrine
If you have already toured the National Shrine on a previous pilgrimage consider visiting the St. John Paul II National Shrine which is within walking distance