Watch Mass Online

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages

Welcome to America’s Catholic Church: Plan Your Visit

The National Shrine, also known as Mary’s Shrine, receives nearly one million visitors annually and has been visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others. We hope that you can join us in person and are here to help you as you learn more about the Basilica – America’s Catholic Church!

Don’t know what to do? Let us help you.

Please enter the date of your visit to view events on or after the date of your choice:
Loading Events

Upcoming Events › All Events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

List of Events

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

December 8

We invite you to join us in celebrating the Patronal feast day of the Basilica and of the United States…

Archdiocese of Washington Walk with Mary Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 9

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Washington will hold their annual Walk with Mary procession…

Second Sunday of Advent

December 10

We invite you to join us in celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent.

Choir of the Basilica Christmas Concert 2023

December 16 @ 7:00 pm

The Choir of the Basilica will offer a one-hour Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the…

Third Sunday of Advent

December 17

We invite you to join us in celebrating the Third Sunday of Advent.

Blessing of the Bambinelli

December 23 @ 4:30 pm

Following in the annual Papal tradition in Saint Peter’s Square, the National Shrine will host its annual Blessing of the…

+ Export Events
There are a multiple ways to tour the National Shrine.
docent leading guided tour showing domes in great upper church

Individuals and small groups are welcome to attend Mass, take a tour and visit the Shrine Shops.

nuns view mother teresa statue on tour

If you desire to tour the Shrine with a large group, we offer guided tours that last approximately one hour. Guided tours include visits to chapels on the Crypt Level and the Great Upper Church, and include information about the history of the Shrine, the architecture, and the sacred artwork.

woman touches gold cross on door

Whether you are just stopping by for an introductory self-tour, are part of a School or Church Group Pilgrimage, or a one-day Diocesan Pilgrimage, view our sample schedules to ensure that your visit is a valuable spiritual experience.

What To Do & See

Learn more about the Basilica as you prepare for your next visit.

Hours & Location

We look forward to your next visit to the Basilica.

basilica front exterior aerial

Plan to visit the Basilica?

The Basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and is among the ten largest churches in the world. Review our hours and location details to help plan your next trip.

interactive map

Interactive Map

Learn more about the Basilica’s architecture and sacred art.

shrine cafeteria

Cafeteria

View cafeteria hours and make group arrangements.

books in shrine shop

Bookstore

View bookstore hours and search for resources online.

shrine rosary

Gift Shop

Plan your visit to the National Shrine Shops and shop online.