
Did you know that this year marked the 100th anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine? In celebration of this momentous occasion, the National Shrine is hosting a series of presentations on the Eucharist and the Church on the 20th day of each month through March 2025. Featuring messages from Msgr. Rossi, Msgr. Robert Vitillo, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, and others, these Heritage Talks follow the 5:15 p.m. Mass on weekdays or the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Saturdays, and each will be recorded and posted to our Mass page. This post will also be updated monthly with the video recordings of each new talk in the series.
If you are able, we also encourage you to attend in person! View the Heritage Talks schedule on our event page here.
“Eucharist: Comfort of Martyrs” – Judith Kelly
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Judith Kelly, author of the best-selling biography, Just Call Me Jerzy, delivered the ninth Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine. The talk was inspired by Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, the martyr of the Solidarity movement.
“The Rorate Mass” – Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the National Shrine, celebrated the ancient and beloved Advent tradition of the Rorate Mass as part of the Basilica’s celebration of “100 Years of Worship.”
“The Rorate Mass: Tradition and Custom” – Dr. Geraldine M. Rohling
Recently, Dr. Geraldine M. Rohling, Archivist-Curator Emerita of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, shared about the upcoming Rorate Mass that will take place at the National Shrine on December 20, 2024, as part of the Basilica’s celebration of “100 Years of Worship.”
“Eucharist: Viaticum ‘Food for the Journey’” – Rev. Ismael Ayala
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Reverend Ismael Ayala, Associate Rector and Director of Liturgy of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, delivered the eighth Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Eucharist Our Firm Foundation” – Msgr. Walter Rossi
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, delivered the seventh Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Eucharist and Mother Teresa” – Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk
On September 20, 2024, Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C., Ph.D., former Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers and postulator of the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and director of the Mother Teresa Institute, delivered the sixth Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Eucharist: Feeding the World” – Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo
On August 20, 2024, Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Commission, delivered the fifth Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Eucharist and Dorothy Day” – Dr. William L. Portier, PhD
On July 20, 2024, Dr. William L. Portier, PhD, the former Mary Ann Spearin Chair of Catholic Theology at the University of Dayton, delivered the fourth Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Music of the Eucharist” – Dr. Peter Latona
On June 20, 2024, Dr. Peter Latona, Director of Music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, delivered the third Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Mary and the Eucharist” – Rev. Bevil Bramwell
On May 20, 2024, renowned author and theologian Reverend Bevil Bramwell delivered the second Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
“Eucharist and Bishop Shahan” – Dr. Geraldine M. Rohling
On April 20, 2024, Dr. Geraldine M. Rohling, Archivist-Curator Emerita of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, delivered the first Heritage Talk in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine.
2024 Easter Sunday Homily – Cardinal Gregory
Easter Sunday 2024 marked the centennial anniversary of the celebration of the first public Mass held inside the National Shrine. Since then, over 800,000 public Masses have been held at the National Shrine. We’re so grateful to have had 100 years of worship and hope the next 100 years are just as blessed.
Make a gift today in honor of the Centennial
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Masses being celebrated inside the Basilica. Please consider making an offering today to help us reach another 100 years of worship at Mary’s Shrine.