Each Lent, we turn our hearts to reflect upon Christ’s sacrifice for us as we strive to live more like Him. As we observe this penitential season and look forward to the celebration of the Resurrection, we invite you to join us at the Basilica for our Lenten Reflection Series – view the schedule and topics below! This post will be updated weekly with the video recordings of each talk in the series.
February 26 – The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Enduring Legacy
In this first reflection, Dr. Robert “Bobby” Duke, Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible, will present a talk entitled: “The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Enduring Legacy.”
Imagine holding a fragment of history that once echoed in the hills of Qumran 2,000 years ago. That’s the world Dr. Duke will draw us into as he unpacks the Dead Sea Scrolls – texts that capture the prayers, struggles, and hopes of a community living at the time of Jesus. Drawing from years of research, he reveals how these writings trace the transmission of Scripture, illuminate the everyday faith of ancient Jews, and connect us to the very roots of Christian and Jewish traditions. Dr. Duke’s engaging presentation invites us to view the Dead Sea Scrolls not merely as ancient artifacts, but as living documents that have shaped and inspired faith communities for centuries. This talk will take place immediately following the 5:15 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church.
March 5 – Living with the End in Mind: Pt. 1
The next talk in our Lenten Reflection Series begins a three-part focus on death and life entitled “Living with the End in Mind.” In this reflection, the Basilica’s Director of Liturgy, Father Ismael Ayala invites us to reflect on how we live when we assume there will always be more time.
Drawing from his pastoral experience, Father Ayala explores how the season of Lent reorients our priorities toward what truly matters: love, reconciliation, prayer, and a deeper relationship with God. This reflection offers a quiet, hopeful invitation to live more intentionally as we journey toward Easter. The talk will take place immediately following the 5:15 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church.
March 18 – Living with the End in Mind: Pt. II
On March 18, Cheryl Guidry Tyiska, Manager of Outreach and Education for Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington will offer the presentation: “Living with the End in Mind – Pt. II.”
Why should the Catholic Church’s position on death and dying make us hopeful? In this pilgrim journey of life, our focus is not only on how to live this earthly life, but on how to attain eternal life in heaven. Offering both practical advice and theological insights into the end of life, this talk seeks to educate the faithful on how we as Catholics are blessed to have the Church’s teaching on death and dying. The talk will take place immediately following the 5:15 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church.
March 25 – Living with the End in Mind: Pt. III
On March 25, Cheryl Guidry Tyiska, Manager of Outreach and Education for Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington will offer the presentation “Living with the End in Mind – Pt. III,” concluding her reflections on the Church’s teaching on death and dying, and our 2026 Lenten Reflection Series. This talk will take place immediately following the 5:15 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church.
