February 9, 2025

Dear Parish Family:

It’s been a year in the planning and finally it’s here: our Parish Pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year 2025.  It’s going to be an exciting and grace-filled time.   Be sure to check our parish Facebook page for some live feeds and photos.  Each day of the pilgrimage will have an intention that we will pray for.  Pray along with us. 

Wednesday, February 12 •  For an Increase in  the Virtue of Hope

Departure from Good Shepherd via Motor Coach to Dulles International Airport for Evening Flight.

Thursday, February 13 •  For Our Beloved Dead; Those Who Greive Them

Arrival in Rome.

Friday, February 14  • For Married Couples and Families

Mass at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, a visit to the Holy Steps believed to be the steps Jesus climbed to see Pilate, and then to the Basilica of the Holy Cross which enshrines relics from the Holy Land. 

Saturday, February 15  • For the Sick, Suffering, Poor, and Homeless

Visit to the Shrine of Saint Lawrence, visit to Saint Sebastian Basilica  for Mass and tour of the underground catacombs, then to Basilica of  outside the walls of the old city of Rome. 

Sunday, February 16 • For the Universal Church

Mass at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, then to Saint Peters Square for the Angelus and gospel reflection by Pope Francis, followed by a visit to the Shrine of our Lady of Divine Love.

Monday, February 17 • For Vocations to Priesthood and Consecrated Life

Travel to Assisi to visit where Saint Francis spent most of his life with time to wander and explore.  Mass at the Basilica of Saint Francis built in the 13th century, then back to Rome. 

Tuesday, February 18 • For Good Shepherd Parish and Our Parishioners

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Walk through the Holy Door to visit Saint Peter’s Basilica. Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Wednesday, February 19 • For the Holy Father

Papal Audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Thursday, February 20 • In Thanksgiving

Return to the US and back home renewed in faith as Pilgrims of Hope.

Know that I am carrying you with me on this pilgrimage in my heart and prayer.   If you have a particular special intention that you would like prayed for in Rome and Assisi, just drop it off at the Parish Office on Tuesday by 3:00 p.m. or email me at frnsullivan@thegoodshep.org. 

Please pray for our safe travel! 

Grace and peace!

Father Neil Sullivan