Visit to the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann

Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope – Holy Family Visits the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann
by Barbara Mahler

Holy Family Home’s Pilgrims of Hope found another opportunity to gain the Jubilee Indulgence on June 26, 2025. Well-in-advance arrangements opened the way for Residents and staff of all religions and backgrounds who were looking forward to this, our third Jubilee Pilgrimage. By way of preparation, an episode of Bob and Penny Lord’s “Super Saints” highlighting St. John Neumann and the history of Philadelphia was viewed the day before our visit to the Redemptorist-run National Shrine of St. John Neumann.

We were greeted and welcomed by the Shrine Director, Very Rev. John Kingsbury, C.Ss.R. better known as “Father Jack.” He accompanied us to the Media Center to view a video on one of the many miracles attributed to Saint John Neumann. Before beginning the video, Little Sisters, Residents, and Jeanne Jugan Associates enthusiastically responded to Father Jack’s inquiry about prior visits to the Shrine: David related that he went there after work to Mass, Marie, who lived nearby, frequented the Shrine over the years. Several Little Sisters had participated in the Eucharistic Revival Procession as it stopped at Saint Peter the Apostle Church. So, newcomers and seasoned devotees alike watched the video with great interest. It told a touching story that took place right there at this shrine. Father Jack knew personally the mother whose faith led her to ask the Fourth Bishop of Philadelphia to obtain from God the cure her afflicted son.

Stephanie, our Activities Director, said that along with Father’s witty commentary, she loved the way he said: “You have all come today to pray to Saint John Neumann for your needs and those of your loved ones. Remember, that as you pray to him, he prays with you, bringing you to the merciful heart of God!”

After a quick stop in the Gift Shop to have our Pilgrim Passports stamped, we descended to the crypt to venerate the remains of Saint John Neumann encased in glass under the altar. Father Charlie (Rev. Charles McDonald, C.Ss.R.) 80 years young and still full of energy, spoke to us from his heart about his fellow Redemptorist. As he enthusiastically recounted the life and historical context of the mission of Saint John Neumann, Pat H. was moved to admire this saint because he was a priest for the people, a promoter of education, and he wasn’t a “climber,” seeking high positions. Sister Veronica commented that she most admired Saint John Neumann’s love for the Eucharist. To this day, his promotion of the “Forty Hours Devotions” continues in Philadelphia and beyond. Before ending his presentation, Father Charlie went around to bless each of us with a relic of Saint John Neumann.

With grateful hearts we boarded the bus and three vans, all driven by volunteers. Marilyn put into words what many were thinking: “I felt such peace there!” For all the graces of this Jubilee 2025, Blessed be God!

Waylaid by a sudden food allergy I, Barbara was able to attend this final lap of our “Pilgrims of Hope” journey in spirit only. I can’t help but reflect that this “Little Bishop” – the 4th Bishop of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania established the Diocesan School System and built many schools and churches. (Dickerson, 2025), and the need for continuing our hope – never being hopeless in light of the horrific assault on Annunciation Catholic school on August 27, 2025. Through the intercession of Saint John Neumann may all the victims be reassured of Jesus and His Blessed Mother’s continuing presence with them, and with us.