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Sacramental Pilgrimage in the Year of Faith

By Ellen Gable Hrkach

One of the ways for the faithful to gain a Plenary Indulgence in this Year of Faith is to… “On any day they chose, during the Year of Faith, if they make a pious visit to the baptistry, or other place in which they received the Sacrament of Baptism, and there renew their baptismal promises in any legitimate form.” (For more on the Plenary Indulgences during this Year of Faith, read about it here.)

When I had initially heard about this Plenary Indulgence, I thought it might be difficult, given the fact that I now live 500 miles away from my hometown in New Jersey. In some respects, I envied those people (like my husband and sons) whose complete sacramental history is confined to one church close by. However, the more I thought about it, the more it intrigued me. After all, it had been 45 years since I had last visited the church of my Baptism. Once the decision was made, however, it just made sense to also visit the churches where I received my other sacraments, since all three churches were within a 15-20 mile range. So instead of embarking on a Baptismal Pilgrimage, I decided to make it a “Sacramental Pilgrimage.” My husband came along to photograph the journey.

1. Sacred Heart Church, Camden NJ – The Sacraments of Baptism, First Penance, First Communion

My first stop was Sacred Heart Parish in Camden, NJ. This parish is situated in the heart of inner city Camden. Although it had been 45 years since I had last visited this parish, I recognized both the church and school immediately.

After taking a few photos in front of the Church, we tried to open the doors, but they were locked. We headed to the rectory and the secretary (Ann) answered the door with a smile on her face. When I told her that I was making a sacramental pilgrimage and that I was baptized (and made my First Communion) here, her smile widened and she excitedly invited us in to meet Monsignor Doyle and the staff, who were having breakfast in the small kitchen. This kind and gracious group of people made me feel special and I’m grateful for their generous and warm welcome.

The front of Sacred Heart Church, Camden NJ. Copyright James Hrkach

The front of Sacred Heart Church, Camden NJ. Copyright James Hrkach

In front of the baptistry. Photo copyright James Hrkach

In front of the baptistry. Photo copyright James Hrkach

The interior of the church. Copyright James Hrkach

The interior of the church. It seemed a lot smaller and more beautiful than I had remembered. Copyright James Hrkach

At the side door of the school.  I attended this school from 1st Grade to 4th Grade.  Copyright James Hrkach

At the side door of the school. I attended this school from 1st Grade to 4th Grade. Copyright James Hrkach

2. St. Richard’s Church, Philadelphia, PA – The Sacrament of Confirmation

A short car drive across the Walt Whitman Bridge to South Philly took us to St. Richard’s Church, where I was confirmed.

In front of St. Richard's Church. Photo copyright James Hrkach

In front of St. Richard’s Church. Photo copyright James Hrkach

A photo of my confirmation at St. Richard's Church.

A photo of my confirmation at St. Richard’s Church.

Not only was I confirmed in this Church, my parents were married here 58 years ago.

My mother praying in front of the statue of the Blessed Mother (1955).

My mother praying in front of the statue of the Blessed Mother (1955). Copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach.

I didn’t realize that James took this photo until I viewed the digital camera later…I said a prayer for my (deceased) parents after lighting a candle for them.

Photo copyright James Hrkach

Photo copyright James Hrkach

3. St. Maria Goretti Church, Runnemede, NJ – The Sacrament of Marriage

The last stop on my sacramental pilgrimage was to St. Maria Goretti Church (Holy Child Parish) in Runnemede, New Jersey. We actually attend this church several times a year when we visit New Jersey since it is close to my sister’s house.

copyright James Hrkach

copyright James Hrkach


May 1982

May 1982

My sacramental pilgrimage was a day of fond memories, prayers and gratitude for the beautiful gift of my Catholic Faith. I highly recommend it to all who are able to visit the church of their Baptism (and other sacraments if time allows.)

Is the Church of your Baptism nearby or faraway? How easy or difficult would it be to make a Sacramental Pilgrimage? Feel free to comment below.

Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

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Read all posts by Ellen Gable Hrkach Filed Under: General, Liturgical, Prayer, Sacraments Tagged With: Camden NJ, Sacred Heart Church

About Ellen Gable Hrkach

Ellen Gable Hrkach and her husband, James, have been certified NFP teachers since 1984. She's also an award-winning, bestselling author of twelve books, an editor, publisher, book coach, and ghostwriter. Her newest novel, Where Angels Pass, recently won First Place in Catholic Novels in the CMA Book Awards. The mother of five adult sons and grandmother of two precious grandchildren, Ellen lives with her husband in the country near Pakenham, Ontario. Her website is https://ellengable.wordpress.com.

Comments

  1. Jo Styler says

    June 5, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    I love this idea! What a personal journey of faith to see where it all happened with new eyes!
    Road trip!

  2. Ellen Gable Hrkach says

    June 9, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    It was fun, Jo! What was cool was that the churches looked a lot smaller to me than I had remembered…

  3. Elizabeth Tichvon says

    June 10, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Thank you for sharing your memories and love for Jesus, Ellen! That was truly inspiring as are you!

  4. Ellen Gable Hrkach says

    June 10, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    I had a wonderful time doing so, Elizabeth. It was also very emotional. I hadn’t visited the first two churches in over 40 years and I had been wanting to for some time…very happy I did!

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