On September 14, 2008 the 37th Croatian Pilgrimage to the beautiful Shrines of Our Lady of Bistrica and Our Lady of Peace will take place. The Shrines are located in the Crypt Church in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and were dedicated by Cardinal Kuharic in October, 1970.

Mass will be celebrated at 2 pm in the Crypt Church preceded by a procession. Pilgrims will be asked to gather at 1:30 pm in Memorial Hall to process into the Crypt Church . The mass will be concelebrated by Croatian priests from several parishes with the choir from St Cyrils and Methodius Croatian Church , New York City, participating.

From 1-1:45 pm there will be an opportunity to confess in Croatian or in English. Two areas will be available, one on either side of the altar.

The Basilica is located on the Metro Red Line, Catholic University stop. If you are driving it is located at 400 Michigan Ave. NE (corner of Michigan Ave. and 4th St. NE ), Washington , DC. Parking is available near the Shrine, on the street and in their parking lot across from the Shrine.

Attendees planning to make Washington , DC a weekend visit can make arrangements at various hotels close to the Metro or some with reasonable driving distances of the Shrine. Some hotels the attendees have used during prior pilgrimages are: Washington Court Hotel , 1-800-321-3010; the Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott hotels have toll-free numbers to call for hotels near the Metro Red Line.

Should you have further questions we can be reached at:
Fr. Ivan Sibalic, 202-415-3935, croblaise@gmail.com
Anne Pavlich, andji2@gmail.com