The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

During my DC trip, my family and I got the awesome opportunity to visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (long name, I know). It is the largest Catholic church in Northa America, and it is among the 10 largest in the world! It was sooooo beautiful! If you ever get the chance to visit this amazing place, take it! There are more than 70 chapels, and there is a bookstore and cafeteria. There are two "churches" (places were they celebrate the Eucharist) that I know of, but there might be more. The architecture was flawless and the reverence they had for Jesus and Mary... wowza. 

Here is an excerpt from the Basilica's website on the history. 

"In 1846, an excerpt from a Massachusetts newspaper told of "a magnificent Catholic church [to] be built at Washington, D.C. after the manner of the great cathedrals of the Old World from subscriptions of every Catholic Parish in America.” 

Spanning the late 19th, 20th and now 21st century, American Catholics would indeed build a sanctuary that rivals those of Europe and the world, not only in size but in stature as well—in sacred art, architecture, history and heritage.

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."

If you would like to learn more about the Basiclica, just click on the blue link above and it will take you to it!

WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL TOUR

NOTE- One of the things I don't really like about Blogger is it is sooooo hard to put in pictures! So bear with me as the pictures are scattered everywhere. Sorry about this inconvenience. 

Here are the opening views of the Basilica. Huge and beautiful, right? And the funny part is, it is located in a not-so-great part of town. So in the midst of "darkness" (that's a metaphor, just saying) here comes the light! :) Even from the outside, I already knew this was going to be an amazing experience. 

A closer view to the Basilica. In the picture below, you can see the brightly painted dome. That is the dome of the main part of the main church. 

This is the main "pretty looking" entrance to the church. If you want to get in, you have to go through the side though. We almost missed it! :) 

 

What?!

 The picture to the right is proof that this article of clothing was actually worn by JP2! The caption reads "Cardinal Wojtyla of Krakow, 1976 August 9, Sacristy before Mass in the Upper Church."








Pope Francis' zuchetto? I don't know if this can get any better. There also was JP2's zuchetto as well as Pope Benedict the XVI.

First class relic people. Ah-mazing. 

These statues of numerous saints greeted us as we walked into the basilica. There was a little museum exhibit like thing to the side where we found the relics, zuchettos, and different things like that.  

 




              I believe that is St. Katherine Drexel. 

This chapel is dedicated to the Crucifiction, i believe. (Just by the way, this is all based on my memory. I don't really have a way of knowing the exact dedications, so bear with me. :) )

Our Lady of Japan

 Aren't these beautiful? 
The chapel on your left (wow, I sound like a tour guide) is one of the bigger ones. Most of the chapels were as small as a bedroom, maybe a tad bigger. 

If you are wondering about the picture on the right, the words above the painting say "Follow my Counsel." 

I can't get over how amazing these are... everything was so unique and artfully made!

Now it's time to go into the Upper Church (what I call the main church). It is HUGE! 

 This is the view right as you walk in. Tell me about breathtaking. Imagine seeing it in person! There was murals and mosaics covering every inch of the ceiling. To your left and right (after the pews of course) were more chapels. In the picture to the left, you can't see it too well, but the big red thing in the very back of the church is the end. (Spoiler- It's a mosaic of Jesus!)

Here it is again from a different angle.  

For the picture on your right- This is at the foot of the steps leading to the first altar. Yes, there is more than one altar. Jesus' mosaic face is covered by a statue of Mary. I have close ups later. 

 Here we go, there's Mother Mary! She is "watching" over the church! The dome she is standing on covers the main altar. 

Different view of Mary...

 Here are some ceiling views... all of them so beautiful and decoratively made. 

Here is a floor view

Sepia-ed version of Jesus. 

Full color! 

Better view of Jesus with Mary

I can't get over the ceilings...

More ceiling love.

Now for some more chapels! (Is anyone still with me? :) )

 

In the far right is Elizabeth Ann Seton 

Juan Diego! 

Rose of Lima

This chapel is obviously dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This was my second favorite chapel. I loved how on the sides it had the mosaics of a bunch of different saints commemorating our mother. 

"To Restore all Things in Christ"
"Give us this day our daily bread" 

The Pieta

Finally, my favorite chapel. The Eucharistic Adoration Chapel.

The altar reads, "Food for angels, food for men.
All you lowly come and eat."
Wow, talk about powerful. 

Is it not one of the most beautiful things
you have ever seen?

One last shot! 

Yes, it's the same shot as before, just bigger. You can't stop appreciating the beauty though! 

God's presence was so beautifully obvious in this wonderful place. I really wish I lived near by so I could go to a different chapel everyday! 

I am sorry if I overwhelmed you with pictures, or if they bored you. But to me, this was one of the most God-speaking, divinely beautiful places I have ever been to. Thank you Lord, for this wonderful experience.

Quick shout out- please make sure to participate in my poll! So far only one person has responded. (Thank you!) I would love to hear from you guys! You don't even have to state your name.You can be anonymous in the contact box, or just vote! Thank you all so much, and God bless!

All through Christ,

Maddie