Lent and Easter
“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 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
“For all of us, Lent is a time of spiritual renewal. It is a 40-day pilgrimage in which we strive to make concrete the words we hear on Ash Wednesday as the ashes are placed on our heads: “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel!”
– Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector
Sundays of Lent
February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22
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 are livestreamed.
Ash Wednesday
February 18
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. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses. Confessions will be heard in the Confessional Chapel from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lenten Reflection: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Enduring Legacy
February 26
Crypt Church
The 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.
Lenten Reflection: Living With the End in Mind – Pt. I
March 5
Crypt Church
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.
40 Hours Devotion
March 12 – March 14
Great Upper Church
On March 12-14, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will once again host the annual Lenten practice of 40 Hours Devotion. During the 40 Hours Devotion, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar in solemn adoration for 40 hours.
Dedication of the Outdoor Way of the Cross
March 15
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.
Lenten Reflection: Living With the End in Mind – Pt. II
March 18
Crypt Church
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.
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
March 19
Crypt Church
Join the Basilica as we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebration of Mass will take place on March 18 at 5:15 PM (Vigil Mass) and March 19 at 7 AM, 8 AM, 12:10 PM, and 5:15 PM.
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
March 25
Crypt Church
Join the Basilica as we celebrate the Solemnity of The Annunciation of the Lord. The celebration of Mass will take place on March 24 at 5:15 PM (Vigil Mass) and March 25 at 7 AM, 8 AM, 12:10 PM, and 5:15 PM.
Lenten Reflection: Living With the End in Mind – Pt. III
March 25
Crypt Church
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.
Stations of the Cross
February 21, February 28, March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28
Following the 12:10 PM Mass in the Crypt Church
Join the Basilica each Saturday for this special Lenten devotional in which we meditate on Christ’s Passion.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
March 29
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 into our hearts.
Holy Thursday
April 2
Great Upper Church
As we prepare our hearts and minds at the Table of the Lord, we invite you to join us for these solemn practices to enter into the sacred Triduum.
Good Friday
April 3
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 Masses on Good Friday.
Holy Saturday
April 4
Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us as we prepare our hearts for and celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection.
“The resurrection of Christ is our hope! This the Church proclaims today with joy. She announces the hope that is now firm and invincible because God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Today the Church sings “the day that the Lord has made”, and she summons people to joy. To him, our victorious King, to him who is crucified and risen, we sing out with joy our Alleluia!’”
– Excerpt from the Urbi et Orbi Message of Pope Benedict XVI, Easter 2009
Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
April 5
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 and…
Divine Mercy Sunday
April 12
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…
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
May 17
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…
Pentecost Sunday
May 24
Crypt Church & Great Upper Church
We invite you to join us at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in celebrating Pentecost Sunday.
Sundays of Easter
April 12, April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17
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 of Masses
Enroll in the Easter Novena of Masses beginning on Easter Sunday
In the days leading up to Easter, we wait and pray with our Blessed Mother who trusted in faith that her Son would rise again. Accompanied by her love, we place our hope in Our Lord’s victory through the Cross.
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, April 5th, 2026.
Thank you for your continued support of Mary’s Shrine. As your Lenten journey draws to a close, may Our Lady guide you ever nearer to her Son.
