“This Shrine speaks to us with the voice of all America, with the voice of all the sons and daughters of America, who have come here from the various countries…. When they came, they brought with them in their hearts the same love for the Mother of God that was characteristic of their ancestors and of themselves in their native lands.” – Pope John Paul II
Built by generations of faithful American Catholics to honor the patroness of our nation, the National Shrine is often referred to as “America’s Catholic Church.” Here at the Basilica, we are proud to represent the rich history of American Catholicism alongside Marian devotions from around the world throughout our art and architecture.
As we approach Independence Day, we invite you to explore this collection of posts about the making of America’s Catholic Church, the American saints honored in the Basilica, the history of American Catholicism, and more!
Quiz: The History of American Catholicism
How well do you know American Catholic history? Do you know when the first parish was established in the United States, or which saint was named an honorary U.S. citizen? Test your knowledge about American Catholicism in this quiz as we celebrate the heritage of the United States.
“Distinctively American”: The Architectural Vision of the National Shrine
When Bishop Thomas Shahan first guided the construction of the National Shrine, he sought an aesthetic that would reflect the patristic understanding of beauty and eternal truth. He strove to create a building that would enhance sacramental life and serve as a “National Monument or testimony,” resting “on a national devotion to the Blessed Virgin.” A century after the placement of the foundation stone, the National Shrine embodies this vision in a distinctively American style, serving as a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization, and reconciliation.
The Untold Story of American Catholicism
While many are familiar with the stories of Protestant pilgrims settling in the American colonies, the story of American Catholicism too often goes untold. Here at the Basilica, you can find many of the “firsts” of American Catholicism and its development portrayed in mosaic tile in the east portico tympana. From the establishment of the first parish to the ordination of the first priest, these events serve as an inspiration to the faithful about what God can accomplish when we have a willing heart. Discover the stories of church leaders in the early United States and the history of American Catholicism.
9 American Landmarks Portrayed in the Basilica’s Art
With over 80 chapels and oratories honoring the different devotions to the Blessed Mother, the Basilica is a mosaic of the many cultural traditions in the United States. But did you know that its art also specifically portrays Mary’s guardianship of the United States? The west and east transept galleries of the Basilica contain two sets of nine patroness windows that symbolize the Blessed Mother’s care for America. Each features a different landmark that is significant in our nation’s history, topped by a crown symbolizing Mary’s protection.
Four American Saints Honored in the Basilica
Designed to reflect both the cultural diversity of the United States and the unity of the Catholic Church, the National Shrine invites visitors to contemplate the examples of the saints who have gone before us. This Independence Day, as we celebrate how the Basilica honors our American heritage in its sacred art and architecture, learn more about the lives and legacies of four American saints portrayed in the Basilica – from Elizabeth Ann Seton to Kateri Tekakwitha.
Prayers for the Nation
As the United States navigates new challenges and conflicts, we invite you to meditate on these prayers, lifting up our citizens, civic and political leaders, and institutions to His care. We ask for God’s guidance and wisdom for those leading our local and national governments, and for His grace to be faithful in whatever spheres He has placed us.