The Dominican Family in the United States gathered in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
On 30 September, the Dominican Family in the United States gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is the largest in the country. Approximately 5,000 people gathered at this Marian shrine for a day of talks, prayer and adoration, a Rosary procession and Mass on the eve of “Rosary Sunday”, which in our Dominican tradition is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of October. Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage (30 September 2023) in Washington DC
The Dominican Family in the USA gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC on 30 September 2023. Although this is the largest church in the country, the church was filled as almost 5000 people converged on the Marian shrine for a day of talks, prayer and adoration, a Rosary procession, and Mass on the eve of ‘Rosary Sunday’. In our Dominican tradition, this is usually observed on the first Sunday of October.
This is the first national Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage to be organised in the USA, thanks to the brothers of the Province of St Joseph who are based on the east coast of the USA where the National Shrine is located. The Provincial of the Province of St Joseph, Brother Allan Moran, OP was present as well as representatives from the other three provinces of the USA, in particular the Rosary promoters. At the Mass, the 4 Rosary promoters of the USA concelebrated along with Br. Lawrence Lew, OP the Promoter General for the Holy Rosary who was also invited to give a speech encouraging people to join the Rosary Confraternity. Br. Lawrence also exhorted the Dominican Family to support and build up the Rosary Confraternity as a communion of fraternal love in which we share in the Order’s treasury of spiritual riches and merits, praying for one another as we journeyed together towards heaven.
The day was also enriched by two spiritual conferences given by Br. Gregory Pine, OP, which were very well received by the pilgrims. In the afternoon, after Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, there was time for confession (ministered by twenty friars), and also a chance to meet Br. Patrick Briscoe, OP, Br. Gregory, and Br. Lawrence who had recently published books on St Dominic, on the virtue of Prudence, and on Praying the Rosary with Sacred Art. There were also stalls on display with a chance for people to speak with lay Dominicans, Dominican Sisters, and other members of the Dominican Family.
The highlight of the day was a beautiful Rosary procession around the Basilica: The Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries were prayed with over fifty friars leading the way, and with musical responses sung by the congregation, and led by a choir of brothers who were directed by Br. Michael O’Connor, OP. The brothers also led the music in the Mass which concluded a prayerful day which was deemed a great success. No doubt, the nine month “novena of prayer” that preceded the day contributed enormously to this, and Br. Allan announced that the next such Rosary Pilgrimage would take place on 28 September 2024.
One couple who travelled from New York City for the event said it “was a rewarding and very satisfying experience… We think our faith was renewed and strengthened by our joyful participation in the events.”
by Br. Lawrence Lew, OP
Promoter General for the Holy Rosary
