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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T171500
DTSTAMP:20251024T193624Z
CREATED:20251024T184031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T193624Z
UID:103403-1763054100-1763054100@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Lessons on Prayer from St. Thérèse of Lisieux
DESCRIPTION:In preparation for the historic visit of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux to the Basilica on November 20\, 21\, and 22\, we invite you to learn more about this great saint and her enduring legacy by attending a talk entitled: “Lessons on Prayer from St. Thérèse of Lisieux.” \nAnne-Elisabeth Giuliani will offer this reflection on Thursday\, November 13\, immediately following the 5:15 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church of the Basilica. It is free and open to the public.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/lessons-on-prayer-from-st-therese-of-lisieux/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/St-Therese-West-Portico-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251120
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251123
DTSTAMP:20251119T221603Z
CREATED:20250515T212644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T221603Z
UID:97741-1763596800-1763855999@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Veneration of the Relics of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (Lisieux)
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica is pleased to welcome the relics of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (Lisieux). Join us on Thursday\, November 20\, through Saturday\, November 22\, to venerate the relics of this great saint and Doctor of the Church in the 100th year anniversary of her canonization in 1925. \nPriests who wish to concelebrate any of the 12:10 p.m. Masses in the Great Upper Church are required to register ahead of time. For more information and to register\, please click the button below. Visitors or groups attending the Masses are not required to register. \n\nClergy Registration\nThursday\, November 20\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and additional information:\n\n\n9:00 a.m.\nReception and Welcome of Relics – Great Upper Church\nLauds (Morning Prayer)\nMonsignor Walter R. Rossi\, Rector of the Basilica – Presider \nView Lauds Leaflet\n\n\n\n9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n11:00 a.m.\nFervorino – Great Upper Church\nFr. Simon Nolan\, O.Carm\n\n\n11:30 a.m.\nRosary – Great Upper Church\n\n\n12:10 p.m.\nOpening Mass – Great Upper Church\nWilton Cardinal Gregory\, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington – Celebrant & Homilist\nBlessing of the Roses at the end of Mass\n \nView Mass Leaflet\n\n\n\n1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n3:00 p.m.\nChaplet of Divine Mercy – Great Upper Church\n\n\n5:45 p.m.\nLitany of St. Thérèse –  Great Upper Church\n\n\n\nFriday\, November 21\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and additional information:\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n11:00 a.m.\nFerverino – Great Upper Church\nFr. Salvatore Sciurba\, OCD \n\n\n11:30 a.m.\nRosary – Great Upper Church\n\n\n12:10 p.m.\nMass – Great Upper Church\nSeán Cardinal O’Malley\, O.F.M. Cap.\, Archbishop Emeritus of Boston – Celebrant & Homilist\nBlessing of the Roses at the end of Mass \nView Mass Leaflet\n\n\n\n1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n3:00 p.m.\nChaplet of Divine Mercy – Great Upper Church\n\n\n5:45 p.m.\nLitany of St. Thérèse –  Great Upper Church\n\n\n\nSaturday\, November 22\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and additional information:\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon\nConfessions – Great Upper Church Chapels\n\n\n11:00 a.m.\nFerverino – Great Upper Church\nFr. Andrew Hofer\, O.P. \n\n\n11:30 a.m.\nRosary – Great Upper Church\n\n\n12:10 p.m.\nMass – Great Upper Church\nChristophe Cardinal Pierre\, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States – Celebrant & Homilist\nBlessing of the Roses at the end of Mass\nRelics depart immediately following Mass \nView Mass Leaflet\n\n\n\n\nConfessions will be available during the Basilica’s regularly scheduled hours in the Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/veneration-of-the-relics-of-saint-therese-of-the-child-jesus-lisieux/
LOCATION:Great Upper Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/St.-Therese-of-Lisieux-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251128
DTSTAMP:20250723T001811Z
CREATED:20250714T232357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T001811Z
UID:99736-1764201600-1764287999@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Day Schedule
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, November 27\, we invite you to join us on Thanksgiving Day to give thanks to God in the Holy Mass. The Mass schedule of the day is as follows: \n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n9:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n12:00 p.m.\nMass – Great Upper Church\n\n\n\nPlease note that on Thanksgiving Day there are no Confessions and the Shrine Shops will be closed all day. The Basilica will close at 3:00 PM.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/thanksgiving-day-schedule-2025/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Basilica-Exterior-in-Fall_banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251206
DTSTAMP:20251205T023810Z
CREATED:20250827T033358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T023810Z
UID:101050-1764892800-1764979199@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Holy Childhood Association Artwork Awards
DESCRIPTION:On Friday\, December 5\, the Holy Childhood Association will host its 2025 Artwork Awards at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception. Opening remarks and the conferral of awards in Memorial Hall will be followed by Mass in the Crypt Church. \nSchedule of Events\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n8:00 a.m.\nArrival\n\n\n9:00 a.m.\nSeated Overview Tour\n\n\n10:00 a.m.\nWelcome and Introductions – Memorial Hall\n\n\n11:00 a.m.\nPresentation of Awards – Memorial Hall\n\n\n11:30 a.m.\nSelf-Guided Tours\n\n\n12:10 p.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\nExposition of the Blessed Sacrament to occur at the end of Mass\n\n\n1:00 p.m.\nLunch at The Catholic University of America
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/holy-childhood-association-artwork-awards-2025/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Nativity-Dome-Mosaic-banner-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T070000
DTSTAMP:20250724T171743Z
CREATED:20250723T003644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250724T171743Z
UID:99981-1766127600-1766127600@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Advent Rorate Mass
DESCRIPTION:On Friday\, December 19\, 2025\, at 7:00 a.m. in the Crypt Church\, please join the Basilica for the celebration of an ancient Advent tradition\, the Rorate Mass. Monsignor Walter R. Rossi\, Rector of the Basilica\, will be the celebrant and homilist. \nThe Rorate Mass\, a votive Mass held in honor of the Blessed Mother during Advent\, is an ancient and venerable tradition. It takes its name from the incipit (or beginning) phrase of the Introit: “Rorate Caeli de super\,” (Let the heavens rain it down). \nTraditionally\, in monasteries and convents\, the first Mass of the day is celebrated after Lauds. The Rorate Mass was granted permission centuries ago\, to be celebrated before Lauds; before the dawn. People were originally drawn to the Mass\, not because of the candlelight\, but because as the liturgy progressed\, light from the rising sun filtered into the Churches\, reminding the faithful of the coming of the Eternal Light. \nAs the Church concludes the 2025 Jubilee Year and nears the end of the Advent season\, we reflect upon the theme of hope. This Jubilee of Hope affirms St. Paul’s message to the Romans that “Hope does not disappoint” and the season of Advent similarly highlights the hope that comes from the birth of Christ. \nThis Advent tradition is a visible example of the line from Eucharistic Prayer III\, “So that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.” The rising sun also gives expression to the hymn: “Mary\, the Dawn; Christ\, the Perfect Day.” \nAll are invited to attend this Mass\, and to bring candles to light the Crypt Church. \nFor those who cannot attend in person\, the Mass will be livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/advent-rorate-mass-2025/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Liturgy,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Rorate-Mass_Event-Post-Banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T163000
DTSTAMP:20250723T001817Z
CREATED:20250714T232100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T001817Z
UID:99733-1766334600-1766334600@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Blessing of the Bambinelli and Lighting of the Christmas Tree
DESCRIPTION:Following the annual Papal tradition in Saint Peter’s Square\, the National Shrine will host its annual Blessing of the Bambinelli on Sunday\, December 21\, 2025\, following the 4:30 p.m. Mass. The faithful are invited to bring the Baby Jesus from their Nativity scenes to the Hall of American Saints to be blessed on this Fourth Sunday of Advent and to participate in the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/blessing-of-the-bambinelli-2025/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Infant-Jesus-in-Nativity-Scene-Banner-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251226
DTSTAMP:20251217T190728Z
CREATED:20241114T014158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T190728Z
UID:89793-1766620800-1766707199@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:2025 Christmas Dinner
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will provide meals for hundreds of poor\, homeless\, elderly\, and needy individuals living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. Meals will be available for pick-up or delivery only. To request a Christmas Day dinner\, please call 202-526-8300. All meal requests must be received by Friday\, December 19th.  \nRegistration opens Friday\, November 7.  \nVolunteers are needed to fill many different positions. To register as a volunteer\, please click here. For more information\, please call 202-526-8300. Thank you for your interest in helping\, and we look forward to welcoming you this Christmas. \n  \nRegister as a Volunteer
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/2025-christmas-dinner/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Great-Upper-Church-Altar-Christmas-Christ-in-Majesty-Banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T080000
DTSTAMP:20260115T211729Z
CREATED:20250925T225051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T211729Z
UID:102484-1769101200-1769155200@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:2026 National Prayer Vigil for Life
DESCRIPTION:We invite you to join us both in person and virtually for the 2026 National Prayer Vigil for Life on January 22 – January 23. The Opening Mass will begin at 5:00 p.m. on January 22 in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica. Following the Opening Mass\, the National Holy Hour for Life will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Crypt Church. The National Prayer Vigil will conclude with the Closing Mass at 8:00 a.m. on January 23 in the Great Upper Church. Both the Opening and Closing Mass will be livestreamed on www.nationalshrine.org/mass. \nThe faithful who participate in the sacred celebrations during this time may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions – view details below. \nThursday\, January 22\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. \nConfessions – Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel & Chapels on the lower level of the Basilica\n\n\n1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.\nConfessions – Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel & Chapels on the lower level of the Basilica\n\n\n4:45 p.m.\nChaplet of Divine Mercy – Great Upper Church\n\n\n5:00 p.m.*\nOpening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life – Great Upper Church\nMost Reverend James D. Conley\, Bishop of Lincoln – Principal Celebrant & Homilist\n\n\n7:00 p.m.*\nThe National Holy Hour for Life – Crypt Church\nMost Reverend James T. Ruggieri\, Bishop of Portland – Presider\n\n\n8:00 p.m.\nNight Prayer (Byzantine Rite) – Crypt Church\nMost Reverend Kurt R. Burnette\, Bishop of the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic\, NJ – Presider\n\n\n\nMembers of the Hierarchy and Priests who wish to concelebrate and Deacons who wish to attend are required to register ahead of time for the Opening Mass. Seminarians are also required to register ahead of time for the Opening Mass. \nOpening Mass Clergy Registration\n\nOpening Mass Seminarian Registration\nFriday\, January 23\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n8:00 a.m.*\nClosing Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life – Great Upper Church\nSean Cardinal O’Malley\, OFM Cap.\, Archbishop Emeritus of Boston – Celebrant & Homilist\n\n\n\nMembers of the Hierarchy and Priests who wish to concelebrate and Deacons who wish to attend are required to register ahead of time for the Closing Mass. Confessions will be heard on Friday at the Basilica’s regularly scheduled hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon)\, and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. \nClosing Mass Clergy Registration\n\n*Livestreamed on www.nationalshrine.org/mass. \n\nSpecial Plenary Indulgence\nThe faithful who participate in the sacred celebrations that will be held in the Archdiocese of Washington\, especially in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception\, throughout the annual “March for Life\,” may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession\, Eucharistic Communion\, and offer a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father). The indulgence may also be granted to those who spend at least a suitable period of time in pious meditation\, prayer\, or other works of Christian piety to the glory of God\, and pour out pious prayers to God for harmony and peace among peoples against the aberrations of the day\, concluding with the Our Father\, the Creed\, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary\, Queen of Peace\, Mother of Mercy. This indulgence may also be applied\, by way of suffrage\, to the souls of the faithful detained in Purgatory. (Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary\, January 5\, 2026).
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/2026-national-prayer-vigil-for-life/
LOCATION:Great Upper Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Night-Exterior-Shot-of-Basilica-Banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T171500
DTSTAMP:20260211T203541Z
CREATED:20260206T042110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T203541Z
UID:109381-1772126100-1772126100@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Lenten Reflection: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Enduring Legacy
DESCRIPTION:The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the solemnity of the Lord’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. We invite you to join the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for our annual Lenten Reflection Series. \nThe first talk in this series will be on Thursday\, February 26\, immediately following the 5:15 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church. 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. \nImagine holding a fragment of history that once echoed in the hills of Qumran two thousand 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. \nNote: This talk will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/lenten-reflection-the-dead-sea-scrolls-and-their-enduring-legacy/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Crypt-Church-interior-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T171500
DTSTAMP:20260211T203654Z
CREATED:20260206T235315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T203654Z
UID:109416-1772730900-1772730900@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Lenten Reflection: Living With the End in Mind - Pt. I
DESCRIPTION:The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the solemnity of the Lord’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. We invite you to join the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for our annual Lenten Reflection Series. \nIn part one of our Lenten Reflection Series\, Living with the End in Mind\, 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. \nAbout the Speaker\nFather Ismael Ayala is a Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Washington and serves as Director of Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Before entering seminary\, he studied death and dying with the intention of working in grief counseling\, a background that continues to inform his pastoral approach to accompaniment\, loss\, and hope. \nOrdained to the priesthood after discerning God’s call to ministerial service\, Father Mel brings together pastoral sensitivity\, theological depth\, and a deep love for the Church’s liturgical life. His ministry is shaped by a desire to help people encounter God through prayer\, reflection\, and the rhythms of the liturgical year. \nNote: This talk will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/lenten-reflection-living-with-the-end-in-mind-pt-i/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Crypt-Church-interior-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T120000
DTSTAMP:20260128T231426Z
CREATED:20260128T025502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T231426Z
UID:109130-1773576000-1773576000@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Dedication of the Outdoor Way of the Cross
DESCRIPTION:Join the Basilica on Sunday\, March 15\, 2026\, for the celebration of the 4th Sunday of Lent. The 12:00 Noon Solemn Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre\, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. \nFollowing this Mass\, the newest place of prayer at the Basilica will be dedicated—the Outdoor Way of the Cross. Located on the North grounds of the Shrine\, the Outdoor Way of the Cross will offer visitors and pilgrims a chance to meditate upon the Passion of Christ and to pray the Stations of the Cross.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/dedication-of-the-outdoor-way-of-the-cross/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Shrine-Daytime-Exterior-Banner-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T171500
DTSTAMP:20260211T203659Z
CREATED:20260206T044329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T203659Z
UID:109385-1773854100-1773854100@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Lenten Reflection: Living With the End in Mind - Pt. II
DESCRIPTION:The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the solemnity of the Lord’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. We invite you to join the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for our annual Lenten Reflection Series. \nThe next talk in this series will be entitled: Living With the End in Mind\, Part II. On March 18\, Cheryl Guidry Tyiska\, Manager of Outreach and Education for Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington will offer a presentation. \nWhy 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. \nNote: This talk will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/lenten-reflection-living-with-the-end-in-mind-pt-ii/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Crypt-Church-interior-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T171500
DTSTAMP:20260211T203704Z
CREATED:20260206T054720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T203704Z
UID:109391-1774458900-1774458900@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Lenten Reflection: Living With the End in Mind - Pt. III
DESCRIPTION:The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the solemnity of the Lord’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. We invite you to join the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for our annual Lenten Reflection Series. \nThe next talk in this series will be entitled: Living With the End in Mind\, Part III. On March 25\, Cheryl Guidry Tyiska\, Manager of Outreach and Education for Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington will offer a presentation. \nWhy 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. \nNote: This talk will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/lenten-reflection-living-with-the-end-in-mind-pt-iii/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Crypt-Church-interior-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T121000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T121000
DTSTAMP:20260410T030319Z
CREATED:20260409T171007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T030319Z
UID:111645-1775909400-1775909400@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Prayer Vigil for Peace
DESCRIPTION:We invite you to join us for a Prayer Vigil for Peace on Saturday\, April 11\, at 12:10 p.m. in the Crypt Church. \nIn his Urbi et Orbi address on Easter Sunday\, our Holy Father\, Pope Leo XIV remarked: “I invite everyone to join me in a prayer vigil for peace that we will celebrate here in Saint Peter’s Basilica next Saturday\, April 11.” \nIn response to the Holy Father’s initiative\, the Basilica’s Mass and Prayer Vigil at 12:10 p.m. will coincide with the Pope’s own vigil at 6:00 p.m. (Rome time). \nHis Eminence\, Christophe Cardinal Pierre\, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States\, will be the principal celebrant and homilist of this Mass. \nThis Mass will be livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/prayer-vigil-for-peace/
LOCATION:Crypt Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Vigil-Candles-burn.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T130000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182736Z
CREATED:20260522T222910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T182736Z
UID:113356-1780146000-1780146000@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Rosary for Peace with Pope Leo XIV
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday\, May 30\, at 1:00 p.m. ET\, the Basilica will join Pope Leo XIV and Marian shrines around the world in a Rosary for Peace\, prayed at the invitation of the Holy See for nations suffering from armed conflict. \nThe Basilica unites in this global moment of prayer\, presided over by the Most Reverend Gabriele G. Caccia\, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The Rosary will be prayed simultaneously with the Holy Father\, who will lead the worldwide Rosary from the Vatican Gardens. The Vatican will utilize livestream footage from the Basilica in their live coverage of the event. \nAll are invited to participate in person in the Great Upper Church or via livestream at nationalshrine.org/mass. \nView the press release here.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/rosary-for-peace-with-pope-leo-xiv/
LOCATION:Great Upper Church
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Women-Praying-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260612T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260612T161500
DTSTAMP:20260609T221649Z
CREATED:20260608T205352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T221649Z
UID:113793-1781280900-1781280900@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will once again participate in the Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests on Friday\, June 12 – the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus\, also designated World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. The National Shrine’s “leg” of the relay begins at 4:15 p.m. ET\, and will take place in the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Benediction will take place immediately after. \nWith the coming of midnight on June 12\, 2026\, the entire world will have been encircled in prayer for our priests on this Annual Global Rosary Relay Day.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/annual-global-rosary-relay-for-priests-2026/
LOCATION:Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Rosary-Relay-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260705
DTSTAMP:20260629T193623Z
CREATED:20260130T024754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T193623Z
UID:109193-1783123200-1783209599@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Independence Day
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Independence Day at America’s Catholic Church! \nOn July 4\, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception welcomes the visitors and pilgrims in Washington D.C. to commemorate Independence Day by visiting the National Shrine. As the nation celebrates its founding\, all are invited to gather in prayer at America’s Catholic Church\, entrusting our country to God and giving thanks for the blessings of faith and freedom. \nThe Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving for the 250th Anniversary of Our Nation will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. by His Eminence\, Donald Cardinal Wuerl\, and preceded by a choral prelude performed by the Choir of the Basilica. Both the 12:10 p.m. Mass and 11:30 a.m. prelude will be livestreamed. \nSaturday\, July 4\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and additional information:\n\n\n7:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n8:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n11:30 a.m.*\nChoral Prelude – Great Upper Church\nChoir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception\nPeter Latona – Conductor\nBenjamin LaPrairie – Organist\n\n\n12:10 p.m.*\n\nMass of Thanksgiving for the 250th Anniversary of Our Nation – Great Upper Church\nDonald Cardinal Wuerl\, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington – Principal Celebrant & Homilist\n\n\n\n4:30 p.m.\n Vigil Mass for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Great Upper Church\n\n\n\n*Livestreamed on www.nationalshrine.org/mass. \nConfessions will be heard at the regularly scheduled hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/independence-day/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Basilica-with-Flag-Exterior-banner-extended-background-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T160000
DTSTAMP:20260810T164502Z
CREATED:20260720T200746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T164502Z
UID:115162-1789034400-1789056000@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Knights Tower Tours
DESCRIPTION:On September 10\, 2026\, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the Dedication of the Knights Tower Carillon. To mark this special occasion\, the Basilica will once again provide an extraordinary opportunity to journey up the Tower and view our nation’s capital from a spectacular vantage point. Visitors will ascend the Tower’s elevator to the observation level\, which offers amazing panoramic views of Washington\, D.C. \nThis year\, guests will also enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica’s South Gallery\, where they can experience the magnificence of the Great Upper Church from a unique elevated perspective. From this space\, visitors will also have an up-close look at the remarkable pipes of the South Organ. \nRegistration is now open: Sign up for a free tour. \nPlease arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time and check in at the registration area in the base of the Knights Tower\, near the Chapel of Our Lady of Pompei and the Oratory of Mary\, Queen of Ireland. If you arrive later than your scheduled tour time\, accommodation on a later tour is on a first-come\, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed. \nGeneral Information:\n\nVisitors participating in this event must be able to climb 85 steps to reach the Tower’s Elevator. Visitors with mobility challenges are not advised to participate in this event. Participants with younger children should be aware that this experience involves stairs and may include waiting times of 10–25 minutes. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted\, and storage is not available at the Basilica. \nUse of the Tower’s elevator is required to ascend to the observation level. Visitors who experience claustrophobia\, or any other condition which may be relevant to elevators or small spaces should not participate in this event. Parties may include up to 4 participants. Parties must not exceed 900 pounds. \n\nParking & Transportation:\nThe Basilica offers ample free parking and is within walking distance from the Brookland-CUA Station on Metro’s Red Line. \nProhibited Items:\nProhibited items cannot be stored. Please leave all prohibited items in your vehicle or at home.\nFood and drink are not permitted.\nBags\, suitcases\, camera cases\, large purses\, and other bulky items are not permitted.\nThe use of tripods is not permitted\, though photography is permitted.\nStrollers\, wheelchairs\, and other assistive mobility equipment are not permitted.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/knights-tower-tours-2026/
LOCATION:Knights Tower
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Fall-2019-Basilica-7-update.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260919
DTSTAMP:20260603T171140Z
CREATED:20260602T225618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T171140Z
UID:113639-1789689600-1789775999@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and Lourdes Immersive Experience: Day 1
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica is pleased to welcome the Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and an Immersive Lourdes Experience from September 18-20\, 2026. Join us for this special pilgrimage. \nRelics of St. Bernadette Soubirous (of Lourdes)\nVisit the Great Upper Church of the Basilica to venerate the relics of this great saint. In 1858\, when St. Bernadette was a young girl in France\, the Blessed Mother appeared to her and declared “I am the Immaculate Conception.” \nLourdes Immersive Experience\nVisit the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes on the lower level of the Basilica for an immersive experience similar to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. Pilgrims can touch part of the rock that makes up the grotto and cleanse themselves with water from the spring where Our Lady told us to go. “Go to the spring\, drink of it and wash yourself there.” Lastly\, light a candle and entrust your petitions to Our Blessed Mother. \nFriday\, September 18\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n7:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n8:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.\nConfessions – Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel\n\n\n9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.\nLourdes Experience – Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel\n\n\n11:35 a.m.\nRosary – Great Upper Church\n\n\n12:10 p.m.*\nOpening Mass – Great Upper Church\nRobert Cardinal McElroy\, Archbishop of Washington – Principal Celebrant & Homilist\n\n\n1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.\nConfessions – Memorial Hall and Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel\n\n\n1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.\nExposition of the Blessed Sacrament – Crypt Church\n\n\n1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.\nLourdes Experience – Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel\n\n\n2:00 p.m.\nConference – Great Upper Church\n\n\n5:15 p.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n6:00 p.m.\nBasilica Closes\n\n\n\n*Livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass. \nView the Schedules for Day 2 and Day 3 of Saint Bernadette at the National Shrine.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/relics-of-saint-bernadette-soubirous-day-1/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Pilgrimage,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Our-Lady-of-Lourdes-Chapel-banner-26.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260919
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260920
DTSTAMP:20260916T191947Z
CREATED:20260602T233711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T191947Z
UID:113646-1789776000-1789862399@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and Lourdes Immersive Experience: Day 2
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica is pleased to welcome the Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and an Immersive Lourdes Experience from September 18-20\, 2026. Join us for this special pilgrimage. \nRelics of St. Bernadette Soubirous (of Lourdes)\nVisit the Great Upper Church of the Basilica to venerate the relics of this great saint. In 1858\, when St. Bernadette was a young girl in France\, the Blessed Mother appeared to her and declared “I am the Immaculate Conception.” \nLourdes Immersive Experience\nVisit the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes on the lower level of the Basilica for an immersive experience similar to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. Pilgrims can touch part of the rock that makes up the grotto and cleanse themselves with water from the spring where Our Lady told us to go. “Go to the spring\, drink of it and wash yourself there.” Lastly\, light a candle and entrust your petitions to Our Blessed Mother. \nSaturday\, September 19\n  \n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n7:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n8:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.\nPublic Veneration – Great Upper Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.\nConfessions – Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel\n\n\n9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.\nLourdes Experience – Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel\n\n\n12:10 p.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.\nConfessions – Memorial Hall\n\n\n4:30 p.m.*\nMass – Great Upper Church\nMost Reverend Timothy P. Broglio\, Archbishop for the Military Services\, USA – Principal Celebrant & Homilist\n\n\n6:00 p.m.\nCandlelight Procession and Sung Rosary (follows the 4:30 p.m. Mass) – Great Upper Church to the front of the Basilica\n\n\n\n*Livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass. \nView the Schedules for Day 1 and Day 3 of Saint Bernadette at the National Shrine.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/relics-of-saint-bernadette-soubirous-day-2/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Pilgrimage,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Our-Lady-of-Lourdes-Chapel-banner-26.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260920
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260921
DTSTAMP:20260916T192149Z
CREATED:20260602T235826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T192149Z
UID:113656-1789862400-1789948799@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous: Day 3
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica is pleased to welcome the Relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and an Immersive Lourdes Experience from September 18-20\, 2026. Join us for this special pilgrimage. \nRelics of St. Bernadette Soubirous (of Lourdes)\nVisit the Great Upper Church of the Basilica to venerate the relics of this great saint. In 1858\, when St. Bernadette was a young girl in France\, the Blessed Mother appeared to her and declared “I am the Immaculate Conception.” \nSunday\, September 20\n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n7:30 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.\nReliquary on display (no veneration) – Great Upper Church\n\n\n9:00 a.m.\nMass – Great Upper Church\n\n\n10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.\nConfessions – Our Lady of Hostýn Chapel\n\n\n10:30 a.m.\nMass – Great Upper Church\n\n\n12:00 Noon*\nSolemn Mass – Great Upper Church\nMost Reverend Gabriele G. Caccia\, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States – Principal Celebrant & Homilist\n(Reliquary to be processed out after Mass)\n\n\n\n*Livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass. \nView the Schedules for Day 1 and Day 2 of Saint Bernadette at the National Shrine.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/relics-of-saint-bernadette-soubirous-day-3/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Pilgrimage,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Our-Lady-of-Lourdes-Chapel-banner-26.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261127
DTSTAMP:20260220T214822Z
CREATED:20260219T235038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T214822Z
UID:110063-1795651200-1795737599@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Day
DESCRIPTION:The Basilica is open on Thanksgiving Day. We invite you to join us this day and give thanks to God in the Holy Mass\, for the sacrament in which we partake of\, the Holy Eucharist\, means first of all\, thanksgiving. \n\n\n\nTime:\nLocation and Additional Information:\n\n\n9:00 a.m.\nMass – Crypt Church\n\n\n12:00 p.m.\nMass – Great Upper Church\n\n\n\nPlease note that on Thanksgiving Day there are no Confessions and the Shrine Shops will be closed all day. The Basilica will close at 3:00 PM.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/thanksgiving-day-2026/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Basilica-Exterior-in-Fall_banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261205
DTSTAMP:20260220T214826Z
CREATED:20260220T000520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T214826Z
UID:110067-1796342400-1796428799@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Holy Childhood Association Artwork Awards
DESCRIPTION:On Friday\, December 4\, 2026\, the Holy Childhood Association will host its 2026 Artwork Awards at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception. Opening remarks and the conferral of awards in Memorial Hall will be followed by Mass in the Crypt Church. \nMore details to follow.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/holy-childhood-association-artwork-awards-2026/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Nativity-Dome-Mosaic-banner-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261220T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261220T163000
DTSTAMP:20261013T185655Z
CREATED:20261006T165653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T185655Z
UID:117268-1797784200-1797784200@www.nationalshrine.org
SUMMARY:Blessing of the Bambinelli and Lighting of the Shrine Christmas Tree
DESCRIPTION:Following the annual Papal tradition in Saint Peter’s Square\, the National Shrine will host its annual Blessing of the Bambinelli on Sunday\, December 20\, 2026\, following the 4:30 p.m. Mass. The faithful are invited to bring the Baby Jesus from their Nativity scenes to the Hall of American Saints to be blessed on this Fourth Sunday of Advent and to participate in the lighting of the Shrine Christmas Tree.
URL:https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/blessing-of-the-bambinelli-and-lighting-of-the-shrine-christmas-tree/
LOCATION:The Basilica
CATEGORIES:All Events,Special
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/Basilica-Fall-2020-6.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR