On September 22nd, 48 NDS seminarians set out on a pilgrimage to Washington D.C. to attend the canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra. The journey was preceded by an early-morning mass said by seminary rector/president Fr. Jim Wehner.
Soon after, seminarians boarded the charter bus. After role call, Fr. Jim prayed with the men for a safe journey.
The men are excited for the pilgrimage that awaits. The lengthy journey is one of prayer and brotherhood. A few stops are made along the way. During the trip, the seminarians watch live video coverage of the visit thanks to EWTN’s coverage.
After a night of rest, the journey to D.C. continues. Upon arrival, the seminarians board the Metro in the Union Station.
The seminarians leave for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. At the Bacilica, huge crowds have amassed and there is not enough room for the group. The men are able to spend a few minutes inside before having to leave because of the lack of space.
Later on, the men are able to get close to Pope Francis as he blesses attendees of the canonization ceremony, some of which are fellow seminarians. The Pope addresses the Washington crowds from an open-air variant of the Popemobile.
The pilgrimage is concluded with a live viewing of the Pope’s first congressional address, which continues after the seminarians’ safe arrival at the seminary.
