Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a prominent Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine located in Washington, D.C. The shrine is the largest Catholic church in the United States and in North America, and the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C Its construction of Neo-Byzantine architecture began in 1920 with renowned contractor John McShain while the Trinity Dome mosaic marked its completion on 8 December 2017.

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC

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The Knights of Columbus Tower at the National Shrine,

The Bell Tower of the Basilica was a gift from the Knights of Columbus. In 1957, the Knights of Columbus donated $1 million for the construction of the 329-foot bell tower at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. This tower became known as the Knights' Tower. The Order subsequently donated a 56-bell carillon to the shrine and provides annual grant funding for the National Shrine's operation.

The Beautiful Catholic National Shrine in Washington

Nearly a century in the making, this great Marian shrine, affectionately referred to as America’s Catholic Church, has been a work in progress since the laying of its foundation stone in 1920. Today this is the largest Catholic church in North America and one of the 10 largest churches in the world. The cross atop the Great Dome of the Basilica rose 237 feet into the air. The dome, made of blue and yellow polychrome tiles and 108 feet in diameter.

Front Facade of the National Shrine in Washington

The entry includes many engraved words and specific scriptural scenes rather than just representations of the Saints. The tallest pillars on each side of the main entrance have carvings of Old and New Testament saints and apostles while the shorter pillars surrounding the entrance are decorated with Biblical scenes.

The Trinity Dome of the National Shrine in Washington, DC

The Trinity Dome is the central and largest dome of the National Shrine. The dome is the dominant feature in Byzantine architecture and is one of the great advances in church architecture fostered by the Byzantine style. A circular or elliptical dome was placed over a square or rectangular room by means of pendentives, the triangular construction of which strengthened and supported the base that holds the dome. The diameter of the Trinity dome of the basilica is only 7 feet smaller than that of the dome of the United States Capitol.

Main Aisle of the National Shrine

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The Nave of the National Shrine in Washington

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The Redemption Dome interior and The Incarnation Dome

Gilded domes tiled in brilliant mosaics in the central nave, the transept, and the chapels ringing the perimeter draw eyes upward. Located at the top of this picture is the Redemption Dome. This 3,780 square foot dome mosaic divides into four quadrants depicting four redemptive acts of Jesus: (N) the Crucifixion, (E) the Descent into Hell, (S) the Resurrection from the Dead, and (W) the Temptation in the Desert. The Incarnation Dome spans 3,780 square feet and is divided into four quadrants which depict the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Wedding Feast at Cana, and the Transfiguration.

View of the Side Aisles of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The architecture dominates. Side aisles are rich with gold, and arches seem to repeat into infinity.

The Great Organ in the Basilica of the National Shrine Washington, DC

The two M. P. Möller organs of the Basilica’s Upper Church (located at the rear of the nave and in the west chancel triforium respectively) were built in 1965, a gift of Cardinal Spellman, the Catholic Chaplains and military personnel of the United States. The South Gallery Organ is a monumental instrument that houses 9,393 pipes, from which 157 stops play 172 ranks. The largest pipe of the Möller, or Pedal Pipes, standing at nearly 40 feet, weighs close to 900 pounds. The smallest pipe of this organ is no bigger than a simple pencil.

A Beautiful Stain Glass Window in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concept

While there are beautiful stained glass windows, they aren't the primary feature in this cathedral

Main Altar and Baldachin in the National Shrine

The free-standing canopy of four columns and arches above the altar in the sanctuary of the Upper Church. The term comes from the Spanish baldaquin or the Italian baldacco, which refers to the lavish brocaded material imported from Baghdad and hung as a canopy over an altar or doorway. The term also applies to the canopy used in Eucharistic processions and to that which covers the episcopal throne or cathedra.

The High Altar in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The free-standing canopy of four columns and arches above the altar in the sanctuary of the Upper Church. The term comes from the Spanish baldaquin or the Italian baldacco, which refers to the lavish brocaded material imported from Baghdad and hung as a canopy over an altar or doorway. The term also applies to the canopy used in Eucharistic processions and to that which covers the episcopal throne or cathedra. The most famous of baldachins is that of Bernini (1598-1680) in the Basilica of St. Peter.

The Basilica of National Shrine Baldachins

The free-standing canopy of four columns and arches above the altar in the sanctuary of the Upper Church. The term comes from the Spanish baldaquin or the Italian baldacco, which refers to the lavish brocaded material imported from Baghdad and hung as a canopy over an altar or doorway. The term also applies to the canopy used in Eucharistic processions and to that which covers the episcopal throne or cathedra. The most famous of baldachins is that of Bernini (1598-1680) in the Basilica of St. Peter.

The High Altar and the Baldacco in the National Shrine

The free-standing canopy of four columns and arches above the altar in the sanctuary of the Upper Church. The term comes from the Spanish baldaquin or the Italian baldacco, which refers to the lavish brocaded material imported from Baghdad and hung as a canopy over an altar or doorway. The term also applies to the canopy used in Eucharistic processions and to that which covers the episcopal throne or cathedra. The most famous of baldachins is that of Bernini (1598-1680) in the Basilica of St. Peter.

The High At the National Shrine in Washington DC

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The High At the National Shrine in Washington DC

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The Glorification of the Lamb Dome above the Main Altar

The mosaic covers 3,340 square feet. It portrays the apocalyptic theme featuring the lamb with seven horns and seven eyes at the center and an open scroll at its feet. Twenty-four elders dressed in white and wearing gold crowns form the image of a Greek cross. They are separated by four living creatures: a lion, an eagle, an ox and a man. Each of the four pendentives depicts an angel holding a quarter of the earth, illustrating the Kingship of Christ.

Christ in Majesty Mosaic in the National Shrine

Christ in Majesty is the centerpiece of the Great Upper Church. At 3,600 square feet and containing nearly 3 million tiles, it is the one of the largest mosaics of Jesus in the world. John de Rosen designed the image in the Eastern Christian tradition of the Pantocrator, meaning the Ruler of All, or Celestial Emperor. The image is in keeping with the Byzantine architecture of the Basilica, with a distinctly post- Renaissance character more familiar to the Western Church. Christ in Majesty has an apocalyptic nature, based in part on a verse from the Book of Daniel (7:14)

The Stations of the Cross in The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as Way of Sorrows or Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. The object of the stations is to help the Christians faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. It has become one of the most popular devotions and the stations can be found in the churches of many Western Christian denominations.

The Chapel of the National Shrine

Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica is the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine. With over 70 chapels and oratories that relate to the peoples, cultures and traditions that are the tapestry of the Catholic faith and the mosaic of our great nation, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is indeed, America’s Catholic church.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a gift of the bishops and priests of the United States. One's eye immediately is drawn to the tabernacle, which encloses the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Washington DC National Shrine

The tabernacle rests on a base of Portasanta marble and is surrounded by a gold bronze canopy in which bronze rods rise to an open crown focusing rays from the skylight on the tabernacle. Gold squares along the rods recall the Israelites "bread from heaven," the manna in the desert.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Great Church houses a tabernacle resting on a base of marble and surrounded with a gold canopy. Bronze rods rise to an open crown where sunlight filters in across gold squares and in the center of the chapel dome is Christ In Majesty. Designed by John de Rosen, this image of Jesus, one of the largest in the world, is composed of 3,600 square feet of over three million mosaic tiles.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

One's eye immediately is drawn to the tabernacle, which encloses the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It rests on a base of Portasanta marble and is surrounded by a gold bronze canopy in which bronze rods rise to an open crown focusing rays from the skylight on the tabernacle. Gold squares along the rods recall the Israelites "bread from heaven," the manna in the desert.

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel in The National Shrine of The Immaculate Conception

At the center of the chapel dome is Christ Crucified, with Mary at the foot of the cross, holding a vessel to catch the blood and water flowing from His pierced side. Twenty other figures in the dome represent people of all ages and races taking part in a universal offertory procession.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel Ceiling

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Great Church houses a tabernacle resting on a base of marble and surrounded with a gold canopy. Bronze rods rise to an open crown where sunlight filters in across gold squares and in the center of the chapel dome is Christ In Majesty. Designed by John de Rosen, this image of Jesus, one of the largest in the world, is composed of 3,600 square feet of over three million mosaic tiles.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a gift of the bishops and priests of the United States.

Our Lady of Pompeii Chapel in the National Shrine

This chapel features a life-size image of Our Lady of Pompeii in mosaic. Also in mosaic are the Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of Light which were added to the Rosary by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The addition of the Mysteries of Light in the chapel complete the representation of all the Mysteries of the Rosary within the walls of the National Shrine. The chapel was graced with a crucifix blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the Basilica in April 2008.

Chapel of Mary Queen of Ireland

The green marble walls that surround this oratory's central figures of Madonna and Child are covered with mosaic images and carvings that reflect the Irish heritage and Catholic Faith. On the right wall is a map of Ireland with its four modern provinces, and a dominating image of St. Patrick at its center. Monasteries are denoted throughout the country from which missionaries departed to spread the gospel to all regions of the world. Young mothers everywhere can relate to this simple Mary holding a squirming, slippery child:

Byzantine Ruthenian Chapel in The National Shrine

The roots for this Chapel can be found among the Rusyns who lived in the region called Carpathian Ruthenia, in and around the Carpathian Mountains. This is the area where the borders of present-day Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine meet. The Ruthenian Catholic Church is in full communion with the Bishop of Rome. The centerpiece of this chapel is a traditional mosaic of the Byzantine Virgin Orante. Mary is shown in a way that recalls her intervention in 626 A.D. at the church of Vlacherna in Constantinople. Citizens who had gathered there to pray for deliverance from the enemy were saved when Mary appeared and sheltered them with her mantle. The iconostasis, or icon screen, separates the sanctuary from the nave. The screen features traditional Byzantine images of Christ the Teacher and Theotokos, Mary the "God Bearer." The sanctuary doors, through which only bishops and priests are allowed to pass, show icons of the four Evangelists. Deacons and assisting personnel enter the sanctuary through the "deacon's door" on the side which is adorned with icons of the deacons, Sts. Stephen and Lawrence.

Icons in the Byzantine - Ruthenian Chapel

The mosaic on the south wall records the spiritual and cultural background of Catholics in Eastern Europe. Against a backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains are Sts. Cyril and Methodius, apostles to the Slavs, and the image of the weeping Madonna, "Maria Pozc." The north wall depicts the history of the Byzantine Ruthenian Catholics in the United States. Most notable is the Statue of Liberty. The gold-domed building represents the seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh. Also on the north wall is an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The mosaics were designed by Christine Dochwat and executed by Crovatto Mosaics. The Oct. 6, 1974 dedication celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ruthenian Exarchate in the United States.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in The National Shrine

This chapel honors Our Lady of Guadalupe as Queen of the Americas and features figures and landmarks representing the entire American continent. On the left is Juan Diego, Bishop Zummaraga, St. Rose of Lima, a South American family, a Mayan couple from Guatemala, St. Mariana of Ecuador, a Peruvian man, a Bolivian woman, St. Martin de Porres, a workman and two gauchos with a background of South American jungle and the Andes Mountains. To the right are a Mayan woman of Yucatan, a Spanish-American couple, a matador, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, an African American, an Asian American, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, a Canadian woodsman, St. Isaac Jogues, and an Eskimo against a backdrop of the Basilica of Guadalupe, the Grand Canyon and the Canadian Rockies.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in The National Shrine

Christopher Columbus brought Christianity to America in 1492 by means of the Santa Maria, a sailing vessel named in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In December of 1531, less than 40 years later, Mary carried a message to a peasant native, Juan Diego, who had been evangelized and baptized by Catholic missionaries. The Mother of God desired that a chapel be built in her honor at the apparition site, on the outskirts of Mexico City. Despite repeated attempts, Juan Diego could not persuade the local bishop to accede to Mary's request. Finally, armed with a bundle of roses, which he had gathered at the apparition site and Mary had arranged in his tilma (cloak), he set out again to petition the bishop. Upon unfurling his tilma to reveal the roses, his host was astonished to see an image of Mary miraculously left on the garment. Full of symbolism, the divine imprint not only led to construction of the desired chapel, but ultimately to the mass conversion of 9 million natives and the end to their ritual of human sacrifice.

Mother of Good Counsel Chapel

In 1467, during a festival at Genazzano, Italy, a cloud descended upon the ruins of a fifth-century church dedicated to Our Mother of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, the people found a small picture of the Madonna and Child. Though on a paper-thin sheet of plaster, the portrait was able to stand upright on a ledge. Tradition holds that the miraculous picture stood in the church without support for hundreds of years, even in spite of the fact that much of the church was destroyed during World War II. This chapel, dedicated April 26, 1965, is a gift of the Augustinian Order, which has pastoral care of the original image and the Italian church in which it still reposes. The mosaic reproduction of the painting is the artistry of Ernoe Koch. It is surrounded by holy men and women known for their devotion to the Mother of Good Counsel: St. Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian nun; Blessed Stephen Bellesini, pastor of the shrine at Genazzano; St. Augustine, founder of the religious order; Pope Leo XIII, a devotee Mary under this title; Pope Paul II, who pronounced the authenticity of the miraculous painting; and Petruccia dei Nocera, benefactress of the Genazzano shrine.

Chapel of the Miraculous Medal In The National Shrine

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." These words encircle the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the popular Catholic sacramental known simply as the Miraculous Medal. Its origin is Paris, France where in 1830 the Blessed Mother appeared to Sr. Catherine Laboure, a member of the Daughters of Charity. The young nun was beckoned to "come to the foot of the altar," where Mary sat, shown an image of a medal -front and back - and told to have it struck. "Graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence," Mary said. Soon after the archbishop of Paris had granted permission, the Medal of the Immaculate Conception was struck and millions were distributed throughout the world. Because of many spiritual and temporal favors received it became popularly known as the Miraculous Medal. Mary is shown standing on a globe, with a serpent crushed under her feet. Rays emit from her hands. Incised into the altar frontal is the design on the reverse side of the medal: the letter M surrounded by a cross and below it the heart of Jesus encircled by a crown of thorns and the heart of Mary pierced by a sword.

The Chapel of the Miraculous Medal in The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The Inscriptions throughout the chapel depict the response of Mary to the God's goodness. Above the altar is the phrase, "He gave her power to show his signs and wonders in the earth" (from an early liturgy of the Feast of the Miraculous Medal.) The south wall's inscription reads, "O God Almighty, you have wished us to have all things through the Immaculate Mother of your Son," (from another Marian liturgy). The message of the north wall derives from the U.S. bishops' Seventh Council of Baltimore in1849, "The more you venerate Mary, the holiest of creatures, the deeper sense you show of Christ's divinity."

The Chapel of Immaculate Heart of Mary in The National Shrine

Located on the lower or Crypt Level of the Basilica of the Immaculate. The carved, gold-leafed wood medallion of Mother and Child created by Cascieri and Di Bicarri, is the focal point of this chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Mother holds her Child in her, right arm, touching her Immaculate Heart with her left hand. The curved reredos is made of Spanish Rojo Alicante marble. On either side of the medallion four angels are incised into the marble and gold-leafed. The altar is of Botticino marble.

Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Pope Benedict XIII proclaimed Our Lady of Sorrows patroness of Slovakia in 1717 at the request of the nation's bishops. This chapel, a gift of the First Catholic Slovak Union of the United States, was dedicated Sept. 5,1965. Above the altar a Slovakian inscription reads: "Our Mother of Sorrows, patroness of Slovakia, pray for us." The seven sorrows of Mary are represented by a series of bronze reliefs and a life-sized sculpture of the Mary with the crucified Christ, often called a "Pieta," meaning mercy, in the theme of the famous statue by Michelangelo. In addition to the Pieta above, there are six additional sorrows depicted in bas relief sculptures on each side of the chapel, which include on the left: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, and the loss of the child Jesus at a temple in Jerusalem; and on the right: Mary meeting Jesus on the Via Dolorosa, the crucifixion, and the deposition of Jesus' body from the cross:

Chapel for Our Lady of Czestochowa in The National Shrine

Against a reredos of mosaic in patterns of gold, copper, and silver is set the crowned painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa, supported by two angels. Other adornments include the Polish eagle in the dome, mosaic portraits of holy people connected with Poland, and tapestries depicting Christianity in Poland. Christ the King is shown in the marble tympanum on the south wall. On the opposite wall Christ is crowning His Blessed Mother Queen of Heaven.

The Beautiful Ceiling of Our Lady of Czestochowa Chapel in The National Shrine

The origin of this miraculous image in Czestochowa, Poland is unknown for absolute certainty, but according to tradition the painting was a portrait of Our Lady done by St. John sometime after the Crucifixion of Our Lord and remained in the Holy Land until discovered by St. Helena of the Cross in the fourth century. The painting was taken to Constaninople, where St. Helena's son, the Emperor Constantine, erected a church for its enthronement. This image was revered by the people of the city. In the Center of the dome is a symbol of Poland The White Eagle

Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel in the National Shrine

Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel and the Chapels of Sts. Dominic and Catherine of Siena are the gift of the Dominican Order and were dedicated May 17, 1970. The marble relief of Madonna and Child is the work of Ernest Morenon. The image is surrounded by 15 tongues of fire symbolizing the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary.

Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel

This beautiful Chapel is located in the Upper Church of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The Dominican maintains an American House of Studies near the Shrine and has a long history of assistance in its ministry. The marble relief of Madonna and Child is the work of Ernest Morenon. The image is surrounded by 15 tongues of fire symbolizing the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary. The ceiling dome in blue mosaic is dominated by eight-pointed stars, recalling the symbols associated with the incarnation.

Statue of Our Lady of La Vang at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC

Our Lady of La Vang refers to a claimed Marian apparition at a time when Catholics were persecuted and killed in Vietnam. Many people sought refuge in the rain forest of La Vang, and many became very ill. They were praying when a lady appeared, wearing the traditional Vietnamese áo dài dress and holding a child in her arms, with two angels beside her. The people present interpreted the vision as the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus Christ. They said that Our Lady comforted them and told them to boil leaves from the trees for medicine to cure the ill. Porcelain statue of Our Lady of La Vang in a dedicated shrine at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is among the best-known Marian icons in the world, renowned for many cures and other miraculous responses to prayer. Its origins have been traced to 1495 and the Mediterranean island nation of Crete. A merchant brought the image to Rome where it hung for 300 years in the Church of St. Matthew. During the French invasion of Rome in 1798, the church was destroyed. Although the image was preserved, its popularity and devotion were lost as it was relegated to less prominence in other churches. Pope (Blessed) Pius IX, familiar with the miraculous history of the image from his youth, placed the portrait in the custody of the Redemptorist Order in 1866 and it has been venerated at the Church of St. Alphonsus, near the ruins of St. Matthew Church, since that time. The Byzantine-style painting features Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows. Jesus, the Christ Child, frightened by the symbols of his passion displayed by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, seeks the solace of His mother's embrace.

Our Lady of Brezje in The National Shrine

This chapel represents the devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, known in Slovenia as Marija Pomagai of Brezje. The focal point of the chapel is Leon Koporc's copy of this miraculous painting, which is a gift of the Slovenian bishops. The gold crowns executed by Alojz Zmuc are reproductions of the originals. The four marble plaques by Frank Gorse, depict the Baptism of Gorazd; Bishop Slomsek preaching the word of God; Bishop Baraga baptizing the Great Lakes Indians; and Slovenian immigrants to the United states. The chapel, dedicated Aug. 15, 1971 by Bishop Drzecnik of Maribor, Slovenia, is the gift of Slovenian-American Catholics.

St.Dominic Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, DC

St.Dominic Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, DCThe chapel of St. Dominic chapel, adjacent to the Rosary Chapel, honors the 13th-century priest who founded the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans. A popular tradition holds that the Rosary devotion was given to St. Dominic by the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary Help of Christians Chapel in the Basilica of The National Shrine

Our Lady, Help of Christians, is depicted as Queen with crown and scepter. This chapel portrays her as an image of strength and forbearance. The title derives from a 16th-century prayer the Litany of Loretto. St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians, invoked Mary under this title. Mary has blessed his congregation, which donated the chapel to the National Shrine, with prosperity. Since 1855, this religious Order, dedicated to the service of young people and the underprivileged, has grown to one of the largest congregations in the Church. The altar reredos features Pope Pius IX, who approved the Salesian rule, standing with a modern family. To the right is a boy saint, Dominic Savio, with St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, co-founder of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. The girl is Laura Vicuna, a devout South American who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988.On the altar below are various elements from the Salesian coat of arms. The monogram 'MR' (Maria Regina) with the anchor connected reminds us of Mary, Mother and Queen. Other symbols represent the Marian titles Mother Most Pure, Mother of Christ, and Morning Star. The crowning symbol of honor to the Mother of God is the mosaic field above her head: a triangle representing the Trinity and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Pope Saint Pius X Chapel

The frontal piece of the altar is ornamented with four carved squares. The upper left square symbolizes the papal decree of 1910, which initiated early First Communion for children. A chalice and host are shown with the words: "Children come to me." In the upper right corner, the Church is depicted as a ship on a stormy sea guided by the Holy Spirit. The sail carries the coat-of-arms of Pius X, representing his struggle against Modernism. In the lower left corner is the shield of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, which was to be canonically established in every parish. It rests on a Bible, the new translation of which was provided by the CCD for the Church in America. The Latin inscription reads: "God is." The last square recalls the codification and reformation of Church or Canon Law decreed by Pius X in 1904. A relic of the canonized pontiff is set in the center.