1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the Lord, who is good,
whose love endures forever…
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the clergy of the Basilica share what they are most thankful for as they serve God through their work and interact with the faithful.
“I am most thankful for the unfailing support provided to Mary’s Shrine by our visitors, friends, pilgrims, benefactors and dedicated staff. I am thankful as well to family and friends who are always a source of encouragement. Above all, I am grateful for the care which Our Lady continually shows me and God’s never-failing goodness to me.” – Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector
“My role as the Director of Pilgrimages I see as a wonderful gift and blessing. This role allows me to live out the Gospel values and evangelize. This truly inspires me. I enjoy getting to greet the millions of visitors that make pilgrimage to the Basilica on a yearly basis and speaking with our many volunteers, ushers and Shrine docents. Of course, being ‘America’s Catholic Church’ we receive so many dignitaries here for tours and to attend Mass. But whether I am surrounded by dignitaries or lay people from the middle of the country, each encounter is an opportunity to evangelize and share God’s loving embrace with everyone I meet.” – Monsignor Vito Buonanno, Director of Pilgrimages
“I am most grateful to be able to witness the faith and devotion of our many visitors. I am especially grateful to witness the devotion of the Blessed Virgin Mary that so many pilgrims have. Each encounter I have with visitors here at the Basilica inspires me and encourages me in my own faith.” – Father Michael Weston, Director of Liturgy
“In my ministry as spiritual director here at Mary’s House, I am grateful for the daily opportunity to feed hungry spirits with God’s Word from above and famished bodies with nourishment from the earth below.” – Father Raymond Lebrun, OMI, Spiritual Director