I watched the live Mass broadcast on YouTube and listened to Cardinal Wuerl’s homily. He remarked that when he was a student at CUA, the Basilica was almost bare and now, it is completed. Watching his face when he gave his homily was like watching a father talk about his child becoming an adult. He seemed especially moved during the consecration of the . Cardinal Wuerl explained (in his homily) that the chalice was made from some of the gold jewelry people sent from all over the United States to help pay for the Basilica.
I’ve been to the Basilica 3 times and have yet to see the crypt church. I guess that’ll be on trip #4!