The John Carroll School made its way to the Baltimore Basilica once again for its traditional freshman year class trip. The class of 2028 visited the Basilica on September 24 for a full-day event where they toured the impressive building and participated in inclusive games that helped bring their class closer together.

Students were transported by bus and given breakfast as well as chips and water for a snack. This was different from past trips as lunch was not provided this time around.

Cell phones were also permitted on the bus and during the trip, but they were not allowed during the Mass or the Basilica tour.

The Basilica has many breathtaking rooms that leave its visitors in awe. However, one memorable aspect of the large church is its tombs of bishops, including John Carroll.

This is what makes the trip so significant for the John Carroll Patriots because the first Archbishop of the United States and the namesake of The John Carroll School is buried in the basement of the building.

Paige Everett said, “My favorite part of the trip was seeing John Carroll’s tomb.”

Located on the walls around the Basilica are the fourteen stations of the cross painted beautifully by Jan Dunselman. However, the stations are not the only magnificent pieces of art and history housed in the Basilica.

Freshman Mady Jones commented, “The most impactful part about the trip was the remaining artifacts from the 1900s.”

While the Basilica is a great church in Baltimore, it is also known as a Cathedral because it is deemed the seat of the bishop. It was also named a Basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1937.

This retreat was filled with lots of deep history and religious culture that affected many of the students who visited.

Freshman Teagan Everett said, “I enjoyed this trip to the Basilica a lot, not only because I was surrounded by a community of people I liked being around, but also because I was able to learn new things. Also, I got an insight into the history and background of the Basilica.”

The freshmen returned to school with new knowledge of their high school’s rich history, and excitement to be able to feel like a true Patriot.