Furthering Faith: Campus Ministry Hosts Pilgrimage to Historic Catholic Sites

On a crisp February morning, 10 students embarked on a pilgrimage to historic Catholic sites in Philadelphia, led by Father Daniel Lannen, OSFS, University chaplain, and Christian Bryson ’21, D’24.  

“This trip explored those people who founded religious communities, built up dioceses, and even who have been canonized saints,” says Bryson, a doctor of physical therapy student who serves as graduate assistant for campus ministry. “It helped to fill our hearts with motivation and hope that by God’s grace we are all called to fulfill His plan and all that it entails.” 

Amelia Monteiro ’25, a health science major in the DPT 3+3 program, describes being touched by the experience because it allowed her to make a physical connection between the places she’d learned about and their impact on people throughout history, including herself. 

“Visiting these different places was an eye-opening experience because it showed us how religion and governmental affairs at the time were closely connected, and how the significance of both is honored to this day,” says Monteiro. “Being able to visit different churches, each with their own unique structure and importance, helped me to dive deeper into my faith.”

During the pilgrimage, the group visited the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Old St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, The National Shrine of St. John Neumann, and Christ Church, where founding men and women such as George Washington, Betsy Ross, John Adams, and William Penn worshipped.

“I certainly felt rejuvenated in my faith and in awe of the passion that many others before me had,” says Bryson of the experience.

Monteiro adds, “Aside from expanding one’s knowledge, I would recommend joining a pilgrimage like this because it allows you to meet new people from the DeSales community and establish friendships that will last a lifetime.”