Pilgrimages

Pilgrimage Program | Day Pilgrimages | Evening Pilgrimages | Special Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages are sponsored by
The Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage

Cathedral pilgrimages are scheduled on selected days during the calendar year. The paragraphs below provide information about our regularly scheduled pilgrimages.

To receive a brochure or to schedule a pilgrimage, please contact the Pilgrimage Assistant at (202) 537-2373 or via e-mail at pilgrimages@cathedral.org.

We invite you to inquire early about future dates and space availability as dates typically fill up several months in advance.

Related Links:

Prayer & Contemplation

Center for Prayer & Pilgrimage

The Community of Reconciliation

Spiritual Companionship Course

Pilgrimages

The Labyrinth

Cathedral Crossroads

The Cathedral Pilgrimage Program

Washington National Cathedral is a House of Prayer for All People, and nurturing the spirit is at the heart of our mission to the nation. We believe that life is a pilgrimage with God and into God. The more each of us is aware of God’s presence, the richer and more meaningful daily life becomes. The pilgrimage instinct is at the heart of many religions, and in the longstanding tradition of cathedral hospitality, we welcome all pilgrims to join us on the journey.

The Cathedral Pilgrimage Program offers people an opportunity to escape the busyness of the world and spend time praying, worshiping, and reflecting on their personal journey amid the backdrop of the Cathedral’s sacred spaces. Pilgrims will be guided by cathedral staff and trained pilgrimage volunteers. Resources are available for J2A and youth leaders planning pilgrimages to Washington, DC.

Day Pilgrimages

• Begin the day with a contemplative pilgrimage procession, led by a crucifer, through Olmsted Woods and into the Cathedral’s nave.
• Learn more about prayer practices, with time for centering prayer in the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage.
• Worship at the noon service followed by lunch in the Pilgrim Observation Gallery.
• Reflect upon your personal journey while surrounded by the stories of faith during a guided meditation through the Cathedral’s sacred spaces.
• Take time for personal prayer and meditation in your favorite quiet space in the Cathedral chapels or gardens.
• End your pilgrimage, sharing final thoughts and prayers with your fellow pilgrims in the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage.

Evening Pilgrimages

• Experience the twilight quiet of the Cathedral’s grounds and chapels during the evening pilgrimage procession and sacred journey.
• Engage in centering prayer in one of the Cathedral’s crypt chapels.
• End the evening with Compline (night prayers).

Special Pilgrimages / Programs

Awakening and Reawakening Creation
A Pilgrimage for the Feast of Hildegard of Bingen
Saturday, September 20, 4–7 pm

Celebrate the life of this great composer, artist, poet and mystic with an evening pilgrimage that will awaken your creativity and reawaken your spirit. $25/adults; $20/students and seniors. For more information or to register contact (202) 537-2373 or e-mail pilgrimages@cathedral.org.

For more information on special pilgrimages, please contact us at pilgrimages@cathedral.org or (202) 537-2373.