Immaculate Conception Parish invites you to a special spiritual pilgrimage and community bus trip to South Philadelphia, PA, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, to visit The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia.

🌹 About the Shrine & St. Rita

Founded in 1907 by the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is a welcoming Roman Catholic community of prayer and worship located in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Inspired by the life and witness of Saint Rita of Cascia—an Augustinian saint known as a healer, reconciler, and peacemaker—the Shrine serves people from all walks of life as they live these virtues and encounter God in their midst.

As one of the few saints in our Catholic tradition who was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a widow, and an Augustinian nun, the unique story of Saint Rita’s life offers us a beautiful example of perseverance, hope, and deep faith in the face of uncertainty, loss, and suffering. Come spend a peaceful day of prayer and reflection, and ask Saint Rita, the patron saint of impossible causes, to intercede to God on your behalf.

📅 Itinerary & Details – Thursday, November 19, 2026

• 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM – Arrive & Board at ICC: Please arrive on time! Boarding takes place at Immaculate Conception Church.

• 8:15 AM – Prompt Departure: Our comfortable bus will depart Immaculate Conception Parish promptly at 8:15 AM.

• 9:30 AM – Arrival: Arrive at The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia.

• 9:35 AM – 9:50 AM – Welcome & Opening Prayer

• 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM – Guided Tour: Tour of the Upper & Lower Shrine.

• 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM – Special Guest Talk: CBS 3 Reporter Joe Holden speaks on the life of Servant of God Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. (the first quadriplegic Catholic priest in history, who taught at Fr. Rich's high school in Philadelphia).

• 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM – Free Time & Personal Prayer: Sacrament of Confession (available 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM), Saints' Grotto, Lower Shrine Chapel, and Gift Shop.

• 12:00 PM – 12:35 PM – Daily Mass

• 12:45 PM – 1:25 PM – Lunch Break: Enjoy your packed lunch together on-site (Important: Please remember to bring your own bag lunch!).

• 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Heading Home: Board the bus and depart back to ICC.

• Approx. 3:15 PM – Estimated Return: Arrive back at Immaculate Conception Church.

🎟️ What’s Included in Your $65.00 Ticket?

Your registration covers:

• Round-trip motorcoach transportation

• Guided tour of the Upper & Lower Shrine

• A complimentary snack bag and bottled water for the bus ride

• Bus driver gratuity

⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Registration Deadline: Please sign up by Monday, November 16, 2026.

• Bring Your Own Lunch: Please note that lunch is not included in the ticket price. Every attendee must bring their own bag lunch and beverage for our 12:45 PM meal break.

• Age Requirement: All attendees must be 16 years of age or older.

• Limited Seating: Spots for this pilgrimage are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your seat today!