The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in the United States and one of the ten largest in the world, will commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the most solemn of the Catholic Church’s annual liturgies.
All are welcome to these events. There are no tickets or reservations required. Download the full Lent & Easter Schedule.
Sunday, April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm (Spanish), and 4:30 pm
12 noon – Solemn Mass
Palm branches are blessed in memory of Christ’s triumphant journey to Jerusalem.
Celebrant and Homilist: Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Thursday, April 18, 2019 – Holy Thursday
5:30 pm – Choral Prelude
6 pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with the Apostles and includes the ritual washing of feet.
Celebrant and Homilist: Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Friday, April 19, 2019 – Good Friday
7 am to 6 pm (except during the noon hour) – Exposition of Relics
12 noon – Stations of the Cross
2 pm – Organ & Choral Prelude
3 pm – Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
Solemn Proclamation from the Gospel of John of Jesus’ Condemnation and Death. Includes Individual Veneration of the Cross by the Congregation.
Presider: Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Celebrant and Homilist: Rev. Msgr. Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica
Saturday, April 20, 2019 – Holy Saturday
8 pm – Solemn Easter Vigil Mass
First liturgical celebration of the Easter Resurrection, the Service of Light. Featuring the Blessing of the Fire and Candlelight Procession through the darkened Great Upper Church, Choir with Orchestra, and spectacular floral decoration.
Celebrant and Homilist: Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Sunday, April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday
7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 noon, 2:30 pm (Spanish), 4:30 pm – Easter Masses
12 noon – Solemn Easter Mass
Celebration of the Easter Resurrection, featuring Renewal of Baptismal Vows, Choir and Brass Ensemble, and spectacular floral decoration.
Celebrant and Homilist: Donald Cardinal Wuerl
2:30 pm – Spanish Easter Mass
Celebrant & Homilist: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA
Extended Confession Times
Wednesday through Saturday of Holy Week, the Basilica will have extended hours of confession from 10am to 6pm.