Dominican Father Sebastian White, editor in chief at Magnificat magazine, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Diocese of Wilmington Marian Pilgrimage. The event will take place Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church in New Castle.
Father White has been the editor of the United States’ edition of Magnificat for the past six years. The liturgical prayer publication has more than 300,000 readers.
His religious congregation, the Order of Preachers — commonly known as the Dominican Friars — was established 800 years ago by St. Dominic “for preaching and the salvation of souls,” according to the order’s website. They have more than 60 friars in formation, making them the fastest-growing men’s Catholic religious community in the country.
The pilgrimage begins with morning Mass at 10 a.m. and concludes with the Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. Bishop Koenig will preside. In addition to Father White’s presentation, the day will also include confession, the rosary and Eucharistic adoration.
“What a blessing to welcome Father White as this year’s keynote speaker,” said Father Brian Lewis, coordinator of the pilgrimage and pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Lewes. “He will speak about Our Lady’s unique role in salvation history from the lens of the Sacred Liturgy, where pilgrims will learn about Our Lady of the Word and Our Lady of the Eucharist and how our Mother Mary’s own prayerful attentiveness and Magnificat may assist us in being more present at Mass — and at all times — to Christ the Lord, the Word made Flesh, the Bread of Life.”
Holy Spirit Church is located at 12 Winder Lane, New Castle. The parish is also the home of the Our Lady Queen of Peace stainless-steel shrine. The pilgrimage is free and open to the public. More information is available at www.cdow.org/MarianPilgrimage and on the diocesan Facebook page.