The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be illuminated in blue each evening through Monday, May 11, as part of the national “Light it Blue” campaign to show support for frontline healthcare workers.
The light display, which coincides with National Nurses Week, is a joint effort of the Basilica and The Catholic University of America to pay tribute to doctors, nurses, and frontline workers who have put their lives at risk to protect others during the coronavirus pandemic.
Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, said, “the display is intended to shed light in this moment of COVID-19 darkness as well as serve as a tangible sign of gratitude to health care workers and first responders who have been a light to so many during these unsettling days.”
Catholic University President John Garvey said the light display is a way for both the University community and the local Catholic church to show solidarity and support for those working in healthcare during the ongoing pandemic.
“I am happy to be able to honor our frontline healthcare workers with the Light It Blue tribute,” said President Garvey. “Light is exactly what our nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals have been for us during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are indebted to the work, expertise, care, and generosity of all those who are putting their lives on the line to make sure we are safe, including many students and alumni of our Conway School of Nursing. May God keep you all safe and healthy throughout this crisis.”
Though the Basilica remains closed to the public until further notice, the priests of the Basilica continue to celebrate Mass each day, praying for all affected by the coronavirus pandemic, “That God may grant health to the sick, strength to those who care for them, comfort to their families, and salvation to all those who have died.”
During the Basilica’s indefinite closure to the public, the faithful are invited to participate via livestream in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated in the Great Upper Church each Sunday at 12 noon ET. Immediately following Mass, the livestream continues with Adoration, followed by the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 2:30 p.m. and the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m., concluding with Benediction at 3:15 p.m. To view the livestream, please visit www.nationalshrine.org/mass.