Archdiocesan pilgrimages to Vincennes set for March

High school youths and adults are invited to take part in a series of spiritual pilgrimages that Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein will lead to Vincennes during March. Pilgrims will visit St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, pictured, the original cathedral church for the then Diocese of Vincennes, which later became the Diocese of Indianapolis. Archbishop Buechlein hopes that these pilgrimages will be opportunities for prayer, conversion and a deeper understanding of the origins of our Catholic heritage in Indiana. (File photo by Brandon A. Evans)

Criterion staff report

In honor of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein will lead a series of spiritual pilgrimages to Vincennes, Ind.

The first pilgrimage is for high school youths and will be held on March 7. The second pilgrimage is for adults and will take place on March 18.

This historic city was the original location of the cathedral and home of Servant of God Simon Bruté, first bishop of the Diocese of Vincennes, which became the Diocese of Indianapolis and, later, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

In Vincennes, pilgrims will tour St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (the diocese’s original cathedral), visit the crypt church, venerate the remains of Bishop Bruté, celebrate Mass and enjoy a meal.

Archbishop Buechlein hopes that these pilgrimages will be opportunities for prayer, conversion and a deeper understanding of the origins of our Catholic heritage in Indiana.

The trips will depart from the Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis, promptly at 8 a.m.

Upon arrival in Vincennes, Mass will be said in the cathedral at 11 a.m. and will be followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, there will be a tour of the cathedral library and museum. The group will return to Indianapolis between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The cost is $59 per person and includes deluxe motor coach transportation, continental breakfast, lunch, fees and gratuities.

The trip will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pilgrims may register on-line at www.archindy.org. Click on the 175th anniversary link, select pilgrimage to Vincennes, then youth or adult to register.

You may also register for the youth trip by calling Kay Scoville, program coordinator for youth ministry in the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education, at 317-236-1477 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1477. You may also register for the adult pilgrimage by calling Carolyn Noone, associate director of special events for the archdiocese, at 317-236-1428 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1428. †