On October 8, 2011, the younger kids and I attended the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
I jumped at this chance to ride in a coach tour bus to this absolutely beautiful architectural marvel. I wanted to take the time out from our busy life-style to pray the Rosary and attend Mass with more than 3000 other "pilgrims". If you are reading this post, there is a very good chance that your intentions were also remembered! There were folks from every nationality present as our church is "universal". The Rosary was prayed in scores of languages, the beginning of the prayer said in a native tongue and the response we gave in English.
The music was fantastic, performed by an orchestra and the massive pipe organ. The acoustics in this Basilica were amazing and the female soloist sang like an angel. The theme of the day was " Come Worship the King of Kings."
I will set the rest of the pictures to the lyrics of "To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King". Please feel free to sing along!
To Jesus Christ, our Sovereign King,
Who is the world's salvation.
All praise and homage do we bring
And thanks and adoration.
Christ Jesus, Victor!
Christ Jesus, Ruler!
Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!
Your reign extend, O King benign,
To every land and nation;
For in your Kingdom, Lord divine,
Alone we find salvation.
Christ Jesus, Victor!
Christ Jesus, Ruler!
Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!
To you, and to your church, great King,
We pledge our heart's oblation;
Until before your throne we sing
In endless jubilation.
Christ Jesus, Victor!
Christ Jesus, Ruler!
Christ Jesus, Lord
and Redeemer!
