On June 22, the Feast of Corpus Christi, The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal community gathered for a sponsored pilgrimage to The National Shrine of St. John Neumann.  

Jubilee Year Collaboration

The bus trip was organized as part of the Pilgrim’s Passport Program collaboration among the Basilica Shrine, The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, and The National Shrine of St. John Neumann.  

Pope Francis called for members of the Catholic Church to observe the Jubilee Year with a pilgrimage. Sunday’s pilgrims heeded that call. 

Registration for the pilgrimage included:  

• Round-trip bus transportation  

• Provided lunch 

• Participation in the Solemnity of Corpus Christi Holy Mass and Procession 

• Time to visit the shrine’s museum and for personal prayer at the resting place of St. John Neumann. 

After the Mass and Procession, pilgrims shared a meal and fellowship, breaking bread and bonding with each other over this unique experience.  

Celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi and the Life of St. John Neumann 

Most Reverend Bruce Lewandowski, CSsR, Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, presided over the Holy Mass, which was held at St. Peter the Apostle Church parish church, located above the St. John Neumann Shrine. During his homily, Bishop Lewandowski spoke about the story of the loaves and fishes, “the miracle of the meal,” and explained that the apostles realized that a miracle had taken place. But the vast number of attendees that day did not. 

Bishop Lewandowski explained that everyone present at Mass witnessed “a miracle on the altar,” as the bread and wine become Jesus’ Body and Blood.  

He told the congregation to, “Be amazed. Live in awe and wonder at what God has gifted to us— given us: that bread—simple bread, that wine—sweet wine—become the Body and Blood of the Lord. Be amazed! The 12 [apostles] are amazed. And proclaim the miracle: the miracle of the meal. 

“As you leave here today, you need to work on that message to give to the world about the miracle that you’ve experienced here. The miracle on the altar—the miracle in your hearts—needs to go out those doors in a world that doubts miracles, is suspicious of miracles, or just outright denies miracles,” Bishop Lewandowski exclaimed. 

Commemorating the Feast of Corpus Christi at St. John Neumann’s Shrine provided the perfect backdrop. St. John Neumann arrived in the United States on this feast day in 1836. He also was known for sharing his love of the Eucharist. 

The Basilica Shrine Presence and Pilgrims 

The Basilica Shine Rector Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, made the pilgrimage with members of that community. Fr. Kettelberger also celebrated Mass alongside Bishop Lewandowski. Other concelebrants included St. John Neumann Shrine Director John Kingsbury, CSsR, DMin; St. Peter the Apostle Church Pastor Fr. Michael Cunningham, CSsR; and St. Peter the Apostle Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Gerard Knapp, CSsR. All the clergy took part in the Eucharistic Procession following Mass. 

Before Mass and the Procession, pilgrims had time for personal excursions. Most paused to pray at St. John Neumann’s glass-encased shrine. The shrine’s museum provided the opportunity to learn more about the impact of St. John Neumann’s life and work in Philadelphia and across the United States. 

A visit to the shrine’s gift shop offered the chance to select a devotional item to carry the spirit of the visit and day home. Travelers were also able to have their Pilgrim’s Passport stamped.  

“A Blessed Experience” Like No Other 

Kevin and Cheryl Shearn from Glenside, Pennsylvania, have been coming to the Basilica Shrine for about 20 years. Kevin wanted to see St. John Neumann’s shrine because he heard a lot about it, but he had never visited.  

“It was a very blessed experience,” said Kevin. “It was a holy, satisfying, great Mass. I left feeling the presence of God in my heart. It was very worthwhile.”  

Another Pilgrimage Opportunity Coming Up!
Pilgrims returned to the Basilica Shrine with full hearts and spirits, as celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi reminded them that not only is Christ always present among us, but we can receive His Body and Blood every time we receive Communion. 

If you missed this pilgrimage, be sure to stay up to date with our Summer Events. We are planning one more for this Jubilee Year. Join us on Wednesday, August 27, as we journey to celebrate the Feast of St. Monica at The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. We will once again provide round-trip bus transportation from the Basilica Shrine. More details on that pilgrimage will be provided shortly. 

In the event you are unable to join us for the August pilgrimage, we invite you to visit us at the Basilica Shrine, a place where heaven touches earth, this summer.