Lent and Easter
“The economy of salvation is at work within the framework of time, but since its fulfillment in the Passover of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the culmination of history is anticipated ‘as a foretaste,’ and the kingdom of God enters into our time.”
– Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1168
As we prepare our hearts for the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord, we invite you to walk with us here at the Basilica. Meditate on the Stations of the Cross, join the Church in its common prayer, participate in adoring our Lord, partake in the Sacrament of Penance, or join us for Mass throughout these seasons of preparation and celebration.
Lent
“We could not do any better than to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and use these days of Lent as an opportunity to rediscover the power and peace that comes from making our lives whole.”
– Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector
Sundays of Lent
March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13
Masses will be celebrated: 4:30 PM (Saturday Vigil), 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon (Choir), 2:30 PM (en Español), & 4:30 PM
Solemn Vespers will be celebrated at 4 PM in the Great Upper Church.
The 12 Noon Mass, 2:30 PM Mass in Spanish, and 4 PM Solemn Vespers will be livestreamed.
Ash Wednesday
March 5
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us for Mass and the Imposition of Ashes as we enter into the Season of Lent. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses. Confessions will be heard in the Confessional Chapel from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lenten Reflection: “Every Disciple Will be Like His Teacher” – The Cross as Proof of Divine Love
March 12
Crypt Church
We invite you to join a series of reflections entitled, “Loved by Jesus, Loving like Jesus,” offered by Fr. Sebastian White, O.P….
Lenten Reflection: “And You Shall Call Him Jesus” – St. Joseph and the Name That Saves
March 19
Crypt Church
In this reflection, taking place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Fr. Sebastian will discuss St. Joseph and the name that saves…
24 Hours for the Lord: 40 Hours Devotion
March 27 – March 29
Great Upper Church
In observance of Pope Francis’ annual Lenten initiative “24 Hours for the Lord,” the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will once again host 40 Hours Devotion.
Lenten Reflection: “Father, Forgive Them” – The Grace to Forgive as Jesus Forgives
April 1
Crypt Church
In this reflection, taking place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Fr. Sebastian will discuss the grace to forgive as Jesus forgives…
Lenten Reflection: “Give Them Some Food Yourselves” – The Power of God in Our Weaknesses
April 10
Crypt Church
In this final reflection, taking place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Fr. Sebastian will discuss the power of God in our weaknesses…
Stations of the Cross
March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12
Following the 12:10 PM Mass in the Crypt Church
Join the Basilica for this special Lenten devotional in which we meditate on Christ’s Passion.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
April 13
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
As we celebrate Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, we rejoice in Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and…
Holy Thursday
April 17
Great Upper Church
As we prepare our hearts and minds at the Table of the Lord, we invite you to join us for…
Good Friday
April 18
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us as we commemorate the earthly death of our Lord. Please note: there are no…
Holy Saturday
April 19
Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us as we prepare our hearts for and celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection. Confessions will be…
“Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven, exult, let Angel ministers of God exult, let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!
Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness.”
– Excerpt from The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter
Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
April 20
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
Alleluia! He is Risen! We invite you to join us in celebrating the Solemnity of the Resurrection of Our Lord and…
Divine Mercy Sunday
April 27
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
As we conclude the Easter Octave, we celebrate and give thanks to our almighty God for His mercy that was…
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
June 1
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Solemn Mass of the…
Pentecost Sunday
June 8
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us in celebrating Pentecost Sunday. Confessions will be heard on Sunday at…
Sundays of Easter
April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25
Masses will be celebrated: 4:30 PM (Saturday Vigil), 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon (Choir), 2:30 PM (en Español), & 4:30 PM
Solemn Vespers will be celebrated at 4 PM in the Great Upper Church.
The 12 Noon Mass, 2:30 PM Mass in Spanish, and 4 PM Solemn Vespers will be livestreamed.
Easter Novena of Masses
Enroll in the Easter Novena of Masses beginning on Easter Sunday
In the days leading up to Easter, we wait and pray with our Blessed Mother who trusted in faith that her Son would rise again. Accompanied by her love, we place our hope in Our Lord’s victory through the Cross.
As we anticipate the joy of the Resurrection, we invite you to enroll your loved ones, living or deceased, in our Easter Novena of Masses beginning on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Thank you for your continued support of Mary’s Shrine. As your Lenten journey draws to a close, may Our Lady guide you ever nearer to her Son.
To request Easter Novena Enrollment Cards, please visit the Easter Novena Enrollment Cards page.
No offering is required for prayer. If you are unable to make a donation at this time, you may submit a prayer request through our Request a Prayer form.