A Note from Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi
Dear Friend,
It gives me great pleasure as Rector to welcome you “virtually” to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception—the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world.
Designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage, this great Basilica is our nation’s preeminent Marian shrine, dedicated to the patroness of the United States, the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception.
This patronal church is home to more than 80 chapels and oratories that honor the Mother of God and represent the peoples, cultures, and traditions that are the fabric of the Catholic faith and mosaic of our nation. It is no wonder why it is affectionately referred to as America’s Catholic Church.
The National Shrine, also known as Mary’s Shrine, receives nearly one million visitors annually and has been visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others.
On behalf of our clergy, religious, staff and volunteers of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, we hope that your visit online will inspire you to plan a visit onsite! We look forward to welcoming you!
May God bless you abundantly and Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, always be your guide and intercede for your every need.
Sincerely in Christ,
Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi
Rector