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Lent & Easter at the National Shrine

“The economy of salvation is at work within the framework of time, but since its fulfillment in the Passover of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the culmination of history is anticipated ‘as a foretaste,’ and the kingdom of God enters into our time.”

– Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1168

As we prepare our hearts for the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord, we invite you to walk with us here at the Basilica. Meditate on the Stations of the Cross, join the Church in its common prayer, participate in adoring our Lord, partake in the Sacrament of Penance, or join us for Mass throughout these seasons of preparation and celebration.

Lent

“We could not do any better than to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and use these days of Lent as an opportunity to rediscover the power and peace that comes from making our lives whole.”

– Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector

Sundays of Lent

February 18, February 25, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24

Masses will be celebrated: 4:30 PM (Saturday Vigil), 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon (Choir), 2:30 PM (en Español), & 4:30 PM.

Solemn Vespers will be celebrated at 4 PM in the Great Upper Church.

The 12 Noon Mass, 2:30 PM Mass in Spanish, and 4 PM Solemn Vespers will be livestreamed.

Ash Wednesday

February 14
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

We invite you to join us for Mass and the Imposition of Ashes as we enter into the Season of Lent.

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Lenten Reflection: Take up your Cross and Follow Me: St. Francis of Assisi and the Stations of the Cross

February 20
Crypt Church

Rev. Bro. Kevin Smith, TOR, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular who is to be ordained a priest in…

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Lenten Reflection: Faith and Family: Practicing Gratitude

February 28
Crypt Church

Mrs. Suzanne Tanzi, the Media and Promotions Manager of Theological College who has two children in Religious Life, will offer…

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Lenten Reflection: What is the True Meaning of Sacrifice?

March 5
Crypt Church

Rev. Gladstone “Bud” Stevens, P.S.S., the Rector of Theological College, the National Seminary of The Catholic…

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24 Hours for the Lord: 40 Hours Devotion

March 7 – March 9
Great Upper Church

In observance of Pope Francis’ annual Lenten initiative “24 Hours for the Lord,” the Basilica of the National Shrine…

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Lenten Reflection: Carved from the Heart of Jesus: The Practice of Adoration and the Practice of Charity

March 21
Crypt Church

Dr. Susan Timoney, S.T.D., the Associate Professor of Practice in Pastoral Studies, Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial…

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Stations of the Cross

February 17, February 24, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23

Following the 12:10 PM Mass in the Crypt Church

Join the Basilica for this special Lenten devotional in which we meditate on Christ’s Passion.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

March 24
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

As we celebrate Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, we rejoice in Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and…

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Holy Thursday

March 28
Great Upper Church

As we prepare our hearts and minds at the Table of the Lord, we invite you to join us for…

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Good Friday

March 29
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

We invite you to join us as we commemorate the earthly death of our Lord. Please note: there are no…

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Holy Saturday

March 30
Great Upper Church

We invite you to join us as we prepare our hearts for and celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection. Confessions will be…

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The Resurrection of the Lord

“Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven, exult, let Angel ministers of God exult, let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!

Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness.”

– Excerpt from The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter

Holy Saturday

March 30
Great Upper Church

We invite you to join us as we prepare our hearts for and celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection. Confessions will be…

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Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

March 31
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

Alleluia! He is Risen! We invite you to join us in celebrating the Solemnity of the Resurrection of Our Lord…

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Divine Mercy Sunday

April 7
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

As we conclude the Easter Octave, we celebrate and give thanks to our almighty God for His mercy that was…

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Annual Octave Day of Easter Concert: Eric Plutz

April 7
Great Upper Church

Please join the National Shrine on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2024, for our annual Octave Day of Easter Concert. Eric Plutz, University Organist at Princeton University, will perform.

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Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

April 8
Crypt Church

Join the Basilica as we celebrate the Solemnity of The Annunciation of the Lord. The celebration of…

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Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

May 12
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

We invite you to join us in celebrating the Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Solemn Mass of the Ascension…

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Sanctification Dome

Pentecost Sunday

May 19
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church

We invite you to join us in celebrating Pentecost Sunday. Confessions will be heard on Sunday at…

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Sundays of Easter

April 7, April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12

Masses will be celebrated: 4:30 PM (Saturday Vigil), 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon (Choir), 2:30 PM (en Español), & 4:30 PM

Solemn Vespers will be celebrated at 4 PM in the Great Upper Church.

The 12 Noon Mass, 2:30 PM Mass in Spanish, and 4 PM Solemn Vespers will be livestreamed.

Easter Novena Enrollment

As we anticipate the joy of the Resurrection, we invite you to enroll your loved ones, living or deceased, in our Easter Novena of Masses beginning on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.