July 6, 2020
July 6 is the feast day of Maria Goretti, the patroness of purity, young women, and victims of assault. Though…
July 4, 2020
Did you know that the Basilica’s specifically portrays Mary’s guardianship of the United States? The west and east transept galleries…
July 3, 2020
On July 3, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Though he has been nicknamed “Doubting Thomas,” the moniker obscures his unwavering devotion to Christ…
July 2, 2020
The National Shrine reflects the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States and the unity and universality of the Catholic Church…
June 30, 2020
When Sophia first visited the Basilica on an elementary school field trip, she had no idea how significant of a…
June 27, 2020
June 27 is the feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, who is known for miracles and answers to…
June 22, 2020
Over 130 years ago on June 22, the Blessed Mother directed a woman on the island of Gozo to pray…
June 22, 2020
“What did Nature ever create milder, sweeter and happier than the genius of Thomas More?” – Erasmus On June 22,…
June 21, 2020
This year on June 21, we celebrate and honor the fathers who have raised us and cared for us. Fathers act…
June 20, 2020
June 20 is the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This Marian devotion focuses on the…
June 19, 2020
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will reopen on Monday, June 22, in accordance with Phase…
June 14, 2020
This post is the first installment in the Basilica’s Biblical Figures series, which highlights the stories of the individuals throughout…
June 12, 2020
Scattered throughout countless chapels and oratories, the Basilica’s angels are integral to its sacred art…
June 12, 2020
Statement of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate…
June 11, 2020
On June 11, we celebrate the Feast of St. Barnabas, who was an influential leader in the early church, bringing…
June 5, 2020
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son…
June 3, 2020
The first Sunday after Pentecost is known as the Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity, focusing on the doctrine that…
June 3, 2020
On June 3, we celebrate the Feast of St. Charles Lwanga, who remained steadfast in his faith in the face…
May 29, 2020
As we approach the Basilica’s centennial anniversary this September, we are highlighting the sacred art and architecture that makes “America’s…
May 29, 2020
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and the…
May 26, 2020
In today’s installment of our Guide to Basilica Art series, we highlight the bronze sculptures in the Crypt Level…
May 25, 2020
The beauty and mystery of the incarnation is that Christ was at once fully man and fully divine. During his earthly ministry…
May 24, 2020
The disciples experienced a series of dramatic highs and lows – they had seen Jesus die, come back to life, and ascend to heaven…
May 24, 2020
On May 24, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. After Jesus’ resurrection, the time came…
May 16, 2020
One hundred years ago, on May 16, 1920, Saint Joan of Arc was canonized. This woman’s legendary bravery has earned…
May 16, 2020
May 16, 2020 is the 100th anniversary of the blessing of the site of the future Basilica of the National…
May 13, 2020
On May 13, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, looking to the Blessed Mother for peace and…
May 8, 2020
On May 8, 1937, the day before Mother’s Day of that year, the National Shrine unveiled the Mary, Mother of…
May 6, 2020
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be illuminated in blue each evening through Monday, May…
May 4, 2020
144 years ago, on May 8, 1876, the cornerstone was laid for a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the…
May 2, 2020
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, we hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the stories of three mother saints…
April 29, 2020
Basilica to Participate in Nationwide Renewal of Consecration to Mary, Mother of the Church Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m.…
April 29, 2020
“The world is lost through silence.” – St. Catherine of Siena On April 29, we celebrate the Feast of Saint…
April 28, 2020
On April 28, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, Founder of the Society of Mary…
April 25, 2020
On April 25, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist. Although he was not a direct disciple of…
April 22, 2020
Our Mother of Good Counsel is a Marian devotion that dates to the 15th century. The Basilica honors Mary under…
April 21, 2020
We invite you to download your copy of the Mary’s Shrine newsletter to receive the latest news and information about the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception…
April 17, 2020
From the Basilica Music Department As ashes were distributed and the haunting strains of Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus filled the cavernous…
April 14, 2020
The organs of the Basilica bring dignity and majesty to worship, leading thousands in prayer and praise…
April 10, 2020
As we enter the season of Easter, we reflect on the Glorious Mysteries during this celebration of Christ’s triumph over sin and death, rejoicing in the new life that we have been given…
April 9, 2020
Music plays a vital role in the liturgy at the Basilica. The musicians of the Basilica strive to create music…
April 8, 2020
Did you know that the Basilica contains stained glass windows with nine different national monuments, including…
April 2, 2020
Music plays a vital role in the liturgy at the Basilica. The musicians of the Basilica strive to create music…
March 31, 2020
We rejoice in the new life and joy that is ours through the Risen Christ as we look ahead to…
March 30, 2020
The Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed as part of the Rosary, providing the opportunity to meditate on…
March 25, 2020
On March 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when the angel announced to Mary that…
March 20, 2020
When life becomes difficult, and circumstances grow uncertain, one thing remains the same yesterday, today, and forever…
March 19, 2020
Dear Friend of Mary’s Shrine, I think you will agree with me when I state, we have never lived in…
March 19, 2020
March 19 is the Feast of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and the patron of the Universal Church.…
March 18, 2020
In an effort to provide for the faithful who rely on Mary’s Shrine as a place of prayer, peace and…
March 17, 2020
Basilica Closed to the Public on March 17 at 12 Noon Until Further Notice Mass to be Livestreamed Sundays at…
March 17, 2020
“Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.” – the…
March 16, 2020
The Basilica is home to a massive collection of mosaic artistry, which is characteristic of its Byzantine-Romanesque style…
March 15, 2020
March 15, 2020, marks the 360th anniversary of St. Louise de Marillac’s entrance into eternal life. Though her feast day…
March 8, 2020
International Women’s Day is March 8, celebrating the accomplishments of women around the world…
March 7, 2020
On March 7, we observe the Feast of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs of the early church in Carthage. In…
March 3, 2020
On March 3, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Katharine Drexel, the second American-born saint to be canonized. “Mother” Katharine,…
February 25, 2020
The 40 days of Lent provide a time to reflect on the solemnity of the Lord’s sacrifice and prepare our…
February 19, 2020
At Mary’s Shrine, pilgrims and visitors can encounter Christ through His Blessed Mother, the Word, the Sacraments, and Devotions. What…
February 18, 2020
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a 40-day period of repentance and renewal leading up to Easter…
February 17, 2020
“Grant, we pray, almighty God, that no tempests may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock…
February 16, 2020
The musicians of the Basilica strive to transform hearts and minds through the power and beauty of sacred music in…
February 14, 2020
At Mary’s Shrine, pilgrims and visitors can encounter Christ through His Blessed Mother, the Word, the Sacraments, and Devotions. What…
February 12, 2020
Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2002 in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, the Luminous Mysteries…
February 11, 2020
On February 11, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Basilica honors the Blessed Mother under this…
February 8, 2020
On February 8, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patroness of Sudan and victims of human trafficking.…
February 6, 2020
Fifty-two years ago, on February 6, 1968, Pope Paul VI’s coronation tiara was presented to the National Shrine by Archbishop…
February 5, 2020
If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a…
February 2, 2020
“God enters the temple not as a powerful ruler but as a little child in his Mother’s arms. The King…
February 1, 2020
On February 1, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Brigid of Ireland, dubbed a “fiery sunbeam of love” by historian…
January 31, 2020
On January 31, we celebrate the Feast of Saint John Bosco, whose heart for orphans inspired the founding of the…
January 28, 2020
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you…
January 25, 2020
On January 25, we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle. His radical transformation is demonstrative…
January 17, 2020
“I am thankful for the thousands that gather at the National Shrine, and the many thousands that march for life…
January 14, 2020
The Tradition of Our Lady of Hope Tradition holds that during the Franco-Prussian War, Mary appeared to six children on…
January 13, 2020
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you,…
January 8, 2020
In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord signifies the end of the Christmas season. The…
January 4, 2020
On January 4, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American to…
January 3, 2020
Observed January 6, Epiphany celebrates the Magi’s journey to worship Jesus. It represents the coming of Jesus to all –…
January 1, 2020
On January 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, honoring Mary’s role as the Mother of God. This day also gives us the opportunity to reflect upon the mystery of the incarnation…
January 1, 2020
“Christian hope is based on faith in God who always creates newness in the life of mankind.” – Pope Francis…
December 29, 2019
On December 29, we observe the Feast of the Holy Family, honoring Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, and seek to imitate…
December 27, 2019
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another. – 1 John 3:11…
December 26, 2019
On December 26, we honor Saint Stephen, who was the first person to be martyred for Christ. Living in the first community of Christians in Jerusalem…
December 20, 2019
As we prepare for Christmas at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, we have many special…
December 19, 2019
On December 21, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Peter Canisius, who was a stabilizing force for the Catholic Church…
December 13, 2019
For over 40 years, the Basilica has served thousands in the community around the nation’s capital with a free Christmas…
December 11, 2019
On December 12, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The National Shrine honors the Blessed Mother…
December 10, 2019
As Christmas approaches, Dr. Peter Latona, Director of Music for the Basilica, reflects on the music of Christmas…
December 10, 2019
Though her story is tragic, the legacy of St. Lucy lives on in a celebration of hope and light…
December 9, 2019
Observed this year on December 9, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast day of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and of our nation…
December 1, 2019
Advent and Christmas are filled with anticipation and joy as we look forward to and commemorate the birth of Christ…
November 26, 2019
On November 30, we observe the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, the first disciple to be called by Jesus…
November 25, 2019
On November 27 and 28, we celebrate the gift of the Miraculous Medal, and honor Saint Catherine Labouré, who first…
November 22, 2019
As waves of nationalism and secularism were on the rise across the globe, Pope Pius XI instituted the Solemnity of Christ the King in…
November 20, 2019
60 years ago, on November 20, 1959, the National Shrine was dedicated, marking a historic moment in America’s Catholic history.
November 18, 2019
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the clergy of the Basilica share what they are most thankful for…
November 14, 2019
With Thanksgiving approaching this month, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of gratitude in the Christian faith…
November 13, 2019
On November 13, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the mother of women’s missions. From an early age…
November 13, 2019
According to tradition, Our Lady was solemnly consecrated to God as an infant in the temple of the Lord…
November 8, 2019
Because of his love of peace, St. Martin of Tours’ feast day has traditionally been used as a day to sign peace treaties…
November 5, 2019
On November 5, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Saint Elizabeth was also…
November 4, 2019
On November 4, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Charles of Borromeo, who is remembered for his humanitarian and reform efforts…
November 1, 2019
From a special concert by the Choir of the Basilica on All Souls Day to the first-ever Mass of the Americas, November is an eventful month…
October 31, 2019
All Saints Day and All Souls Day provide us with the opportunity to reflect on the faithful who have gone before us…
October 22, 2019
On October 22, we celebrate the Feast of Saint John Paul II. Saint John Paul II was the first reigning Pope to visit the Shrine, and was beloved for…
October 18, 2019
“Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those…
October 15, 2019
On October 15, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Teresa of Jesus, more commonly known as Saint Teresa of Ávila…
October 11, 2019
How do you get from the United States Air Force Academy to the Basilica? Today, Dee Steel tells us about…
October 8, 2019
The Basilica is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture. Visitors might be familiar with…
October 7, 2019
Every October, we honor Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrating her Feast on October 7. This celebration…
October 4, 2019
On October 4, we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the Catholic Church’s most venerated…
October 1, 2019
As a first-time visitor to the National Shrine, deciding what to see can be overwhelming…
October 1, 2019
On October 1, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Thérѐse of Lisieux, who is beloved for her writings on …
September 23, 2019
Today is a momentous day in the history of the National Shrine, especially as we prepare to commemorate…
September 21, 2019
Jesus shocked the religious teachers of his day in many ways; perhaps one of the most prominent examples was …
September 18, 2019
Reverend Monsignor Vito A. Buonanno tells us what he believes makes the Basilica unique as a place…
September 18, 2019
A new exhibit at the Basilica highlights the 35th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between…
September 17, 2019
Today, Dr. Latona takes readers behind the scenes, sharing his intent for how audiences experience…
September 15, 2019
The feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows is observed on September 15. The occasion is a time for reflection…
September 12, 2019
Today, Reverend Monsignor Vito A. Buonanno answers some essential questions about pilgrimages…
September 11, 2019
We invite you to download your copy of the Mary’s Shrine Newsletter to receive the latest news about the Basilica!
September 10, 2019
Today, Dr. Latona takes readers behind the scenes, sharing what it means to be a Catholic musician…
September 6, 2019
To better understand pilgrimages and what makes the Basilica unique as a place of pilgrimage…
September 3, 2019
Today, Dr. Latona takes us behind the scenes, sharing his experiences as a composer at the Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in North America…
August 29, 2019
August 31 marks the feast day of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, who is known for burying Jesus’ body after the…
August 27, 2019
The musicians of the Basilica strive to transform hearts and minds through the power and beauty of sacred music…
August 26, 2019
During the autumn months, there are a variety of annual pilgrimages at the Basilica…
August 22, 2019
As students begin a new school year, we would like to honor the impact of Saint Augustine…
August 21, 2019
Born in the 4th century, St. Monica is recognized as the patron saint of mothers…
August 14, 2019
This month, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Stephen and the dedication of the Our Lady of Hungary Chapel…
August 13, 2019
In the face of Nazi brutality at Auschwitz, Saint Maximilian Kolbe bravely gave up his life for…
August 9, 2019
Legend Alexandra Thurman has served for over five years as a volunteer in various capacities at the Basilica. Though she…
August 8, 2019
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in…
August 7, 2019
As the Basilica highlights the role of spiritual education in the lives and legacies of the saints this month, on…
August 2, 2019
On August 4, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint John Vianney, who became a devoted servant for Christ and…
July 31, 2019
With the arrival of a new school year, this month at the Basilica we’d like to focus on the legacies…
July 29, 2019
On July 31, we honor the life and legacy of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius was born in Spain as…
July 26, 2019
With the Feast Day of St. Martha on July 29, we reflect on St. Martha’s role in Jesus’ ministry. Carved…
July 25, 2019
On July 25, we honor the Feast Day of the apostle Saint James the Greater. A passionate evangelist and devoted…
July 24, 2019
On July 26, the Feast Day of St. Anne and St. Joachim, we honor the lives of Mary’s parents, the…
July 23, 2019
Nearly 60 years ago, the Basilica welcomed a new architectural addition: the Knights Tower, gifted by the…
July 19, 2019
On July 22, we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene. Mentioned fourteen times in the gospels, St. Mary was…
July 16, 2019
Since 1986, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate have been serving the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate…
July 15, 2019
On July 16, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and reflect on the blessing of the…
July 13, 2019
Wherever people enter the Basilica, they are greeted by the beauty and splendor of the Catholic faith, not only in…
July 8, 2019
Today we highlight two Marian devotions– Our Lady of La Vang and Our Lady of Guadalupe – that stand in…
July 3, 2019
For almost a century, the magnificent sound of the pipe organ has filled the sanctuaries of the Basilica. From the first…
July 3, 2019
The United States has long been considered the great melting pot, where people from many diverse lands make their home.…
July 1, 2019
As we enter the month of July, we celebrate the different cultures, peoples, and stories that are the fabric of the Catholic faith in…
June 28, 2019
While the Basilica commemorates the Blessed Mother under her title of Immaculate Conception as patroness of the United States, it also…
June 26, 2019
St. Peter and St. Paul: two apostles. Two leaders. Two flawed individuals whom God chose and transformed for the use…
June 24, 2019
On the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart, Friday, June 28, also designated as World Priest Day, the Basilica of…
June 21, 2019
With the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24, we reflect upon the life and…
June 19, 2019
Two corresponding Marian devotions – the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Miraculous Medal – are represented in chapels at…
June 14, 2019
The Basilica hosts nearly one million people from across the globe each year. Basilica Docent Tom Wong shares his insight into…
June 13, 2019
The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity is approaching – a special day dedicated to reflecting upon the sacred beauty…
June 11, 2019
With the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity approaching, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on this Holy…
June 7, 2019
June 10 marks this year’s celebration of the memorial of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. In 1964, at…
May 31, 2019
Celebrated on May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the Virgin Mary’s visit to…
May 29, 2019
A docent – a volunteer guiding a group or individual as they experience the sights, sounds, and heart of the…
May 28, 2019
For the first time in almost twenty years, the National Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert in the Great…
May 25, 2019
Commemorated to honor the men and women who died in military service for the United States, Memorial Day…
May 24, 2019
The Choir of the Basilica performed this month in Rome, traveling to the Eternal City to honor the 35th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between…
May 23, 2019
Dedicated to and named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is…
May 13, 2019
On May 13, we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared…
May 10, 2019
Behind every generation of devoted servants for Christ there is a generation of devoted mothers. Faithful mothers teach their children…
May 9, 2019
As we celebrate mothers this month, it is fitting to reflect on the most important mother in history, Mary. Throughout…
May 2, 2019
During the month of May, we honor and celebrate our mothers. As the guardians of future generations, they are instrumental…
May 1, 2019
On April 26, 2019, over 2,000 people attended “Together with Notre-Dame de Paris: A Benefit Concert at the Basilica.” Organized…
April 30, 2019
St. Joseph is present in many places throughout the Basilica. In the East Apse of the Great Upper Church, he…
April 29, 2019
On April 29, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Catherine of Siena. Though Saint Catherine of Siena came from…
April 23, 2019
Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m. in the Basilica’s Great Upper Church in advance of Notre Dame Benefit Concert at…
April 23, 2019
As the faithful prepare to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, it is important to review the meaning and historical significance of…
April 18, 2019
As we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice this Good Friday, the Seven Last Words give us powerful insight into His thoughts…
April 16, 2019
In solidarity with our friends at Notre Dame in Paris, and seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for…
April 16, 2019
From the somber silence experienced at the beginning of the Good Friday Liturgy, to the thunderous organ fanfare and ringing…
April 15, 2019
“The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in solidarity with the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris,…
April 15, 2019
“Today we share our grief and prayers with those who worship at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, the…
April 15, 2019
The relics of the passion, death, and burial of Our Lord Jesus Christ are the first relics of the Church…
April 11, 2019
Every year, millions of people from all over the world visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate…
March 25, 2019
It gives me great pleasure as Rector to welcome you “virtually” to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception…
March 23, 2019
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in the United States and one…
March 22, 2019
In observance of “24 Hours for the Lord,” the Lenten initiative launched by Pope Francis, the Basilica of the National…
March 21, 2019
The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the solemnity of the Lord’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts…
December 8, 2017
On December 8, 2017, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the patronal feast day of the National Shrine and…
September 23, 2017
On September 23, 2017, a day of pilgrimage for more than 2,000 of the faithful during the centennial year commemorating…
September 23, 2015
A Picture Perfect Day Pope Francis arrived at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September…
November 20, 2009
On November 20, 2009, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its…
April 15, 2008
People of all ages, states, and walks of life from across America flocked to the nation’s patronal church awaiting the…
October 7, 1979
Excerpt from the book: America’s Church: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Early on the morning…
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