“[This shrine] does not belong to a diocese – it does not belong to a city nor to a parish.
It belongs to America.” – Archbishop Fulton Sheen
What is the National Shrine? Unlike a cathedral or a parish church, the National Shrine is primarily a place of pilgrimage. A shrine is a sacred location where people may journey in an act of reverence or worship, and here at the National Shrine, we receive thousands of pilgrims from across the world each day as they seek to draw closer to God.
America’s Catholic Church
With the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), this shrine was designated to be a “national” shrine for the United States, and is also recognized as a Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage. Because this church belongs to the entire nation, its role in the lives of the faithful is different from local parish churches or smaller shrines. Although we cannot administer communal sacraments here at the National Shrine, such as baptism and matrimony, it serves as a place for the faithful to gather and participate in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the penitential act of confession. Since its first public Mass over 100 years ago, the National Shrine has received countless visitors, including Mother Teresa and several popes! Learn more about how to make a pilgrimage to the National Shrine.
What it Means to be a Basilica
In addition to being America’s Catholic church, the National Shrine is also a basilica! Pope John Paul II elevated the National Shrine to a minor basilica in October of 1990, acknowledging its place of “historical importance” and its “significance as a center of worship and devotion.”
When a church is elevated to the rank of a minor basilica, it is given certain privileges or honors. As a basilica, the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception is allowed the dignities of the ombrellino (parasol), the tintinnabulum (bell), and the coat of arms, with the display of papal keys, to represent its tie to the pope. Discover more about the significance of the dignities of the Basilica in our previous blogpost.
A Church of the People
Since its inception, the National Shrine has held a unique place in the hearts of Americans, and many visitors have shared with us about what the Shrine has meant to them. In the midst of life’s struggles and uncertainties, the National Shrine has offered a place of respite for the faithful throughout its history. Through prayer and the sacraments, Catholics from America and beyond are given the opportunity to grow in faith and draw closer to Christ when they walk through its doors.
As Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport so eloquently articulated during the 2017 dedication of the Basilica’s Rosary Walk and Garden:
“As beautiful as this Shrine is, it will not last forever. But its sacred purpose does. May it stand in our midst as a sacred reminder for all who are searching for meaning in life. All who are struggling in pain. For all who are looking for an answer to the question, ‘What is it that you seek in life?’ That they will find, in this Shrine, the Answer. And the Answer is Christ. May its beauty give hope to the confused. May they find consolation if their hearts are struggling. And may you and I visit often to be encouraged in our pursuit of holiness all the days of our lives. May it stand this day and for generations to come as a sign of hope that the world can find a way to peace, to happiness, and joy. And that road will always and forever lead to Jesus, the Lord, the Savior, and the Christ, Son of Mary and our Redeemer and King… Amen.”
Source:
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.