Diocesan faithful make pilgrimage to National Shrine

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Parishioners of all ages and from all counties of the Diocese of Greensburg gathered early Sept. 21 to board buses for a prayer-filled day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Diocesan pilgrims made fast friends who shared the same goal, to give glory and praise to God in the ornate shrine visited by many. 

Participants honored Jesus and Mary, the patroness of the Diocese of Greensburg, along with Joseph, her husband and Jesus’ foster father, to whose protection and guardianship the Diocese of Greensburg has been dedicated.

Bishop Larry J. Kulick, who is a longtime friend of Monsignor Vito A. Buonanno, associate rector and director of pilgrimages of the basilica, welcomed the pilgrims and thanked them for making the special pilgrimage.

“This beautiful tapestry of unity, the church, calls us to be instruments of peace,” said Bishop Kulick, reminding the faithful that Mary is a powerful intercessor. “How many times are we praying for a sick relative, an increase in vocations, a critical decision that needs to be made or for about a marriage?”

Bishop Kulick celebrated Mass at the breathtaking crypt area, the heart of the national shrine, that features ceramic, mosaic and other forms of Romanesque-Byzantine embellishments. Diocesan clergy joined the bishop at the altar.

Attendees were in awe of the national shrine, the largest Catholic Church in North America that seats 3,500 people. Many visitors are moved to tears once they open the massive doors to walk inside, according to Monsignor Buonanno.

Kathy Byron, a parishioner of The Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Monessen, and president of the Greensburg Diocesan Council of the National Council of Catholic Women, can attest to that.

Byron said she “loves participating in all Diocesan activities” and was happy to attend the pilgrimage. She first visited the shrine in 2000 with the late Bishop Anthony G. Bosco.

“This year, as always, was a wonderful opportunity to meet other parishioners in our Diocese. The day was filled with prayer, Mass, and a chance to visit the St. John Paul II National Shrine,” she said. “I appreciate all the efforts that Bishop Kulick is making to bring all the people of the Diocese together in faith.”

Kathy Imbrescia, also a parishioner of The Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, said the pilgrimage was “a deeply spiritual day.

“The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception honors Mary, the Mother of God, and embraces the stunning beauty of cultural diversity,” said Imbrescia

Bishop Kulick is hopeful the good works of those on the pilgrimage continue in the days ahead, whether it is praying the rosary, attending Mass or increasing prayer life.

“Jesus is calling us and Mary is inviting us into the beautiful mystery of the cross,” the Bishop said.

Bishop Kulick said he was impressed that the pilgrims came from across all parts of the diocese.

“What was amazing to me is when Monsignor Buonanno asked how many people in the pilgrimage were visiting the shrine for the first time, over half of them raised their hands,” he said. “Everyone was pleased with the experience and the chance for a wonderful opportunity. There’s so much to see that this opened the window for them to see more.”  

Bishop Kulick is planning another pilgrimage on September 19, 2026, the year the Diocese of Greensburg celebrates its 75th anniversary.