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

4122227749_b3d8d4e4ba_o

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

472 Main Asile of Basicila

The Nave of the National Shrine in Washington

4135872731_ab0a4b97fa_o

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

4152302103_e8ed87c496_o

The High At the National Shrine in Washington DC

478 The High Altar of the Basilica

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.