NATCHEZ – On Wednesday, March 12, a group of 20 Vicksburg St. Paul parishioners and their pastor, Father Thomas Lalor, traveled on a Lenten pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary. Father David O’Connor, pastor of St. Mary, prayed with the group, then explained the history of the church, its bishops and its people. He led the visitors on a tour of the basilica – telling of its architecture, art in stained glass and marble, and spirituality. He explained its being given the title of minor basilica by Blessed John Paul II. Parishioners saw the oldest shrine honoring Mary, the Immaculate Conception and stopped to pray at the gravesite of Bishop John Chanche, first bishop of the diocese. The Altar Society with the aid of Father Lalor, who served many years in Natchez, organized the pilgrimage and invited the parish. (Submitted by Glenda LaGarde)