On behalf of the priests, religious, and staff of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, I am pleased to offer heartfelt congratulations to Archbishop Gregory on his elevation to the College of Cardinals. As the first African American archbishop of Washington, the first African American chairman of the National Shrine’s Board of Trustees, and now our nation’s first African American cardinal, we are most grateful to Archbishop Gregory for his ongoing historic leadership and service which will continue in an even greater capacity as a cardinal and collaborator of Pope Francis in his pastoral care for the Church. Our prayers are with you, Your Eminence!