Visiting Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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Not sure where to put this. We’re visiting our daughter in D.C. next month and I want to visit the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Since we have a very tight schedule, can you recommend some specific things that we definitely don’t want to miss?
 
We were there in April. It’s a wonderful place to stop.

The first thing to “not miss” is the gift store. I’m not kidding - it’s one of the very best I’ve ever seen. Pick up a guide book to all of the side altars, chapels and grottos. There are so many, you can’t hit them all.

See the main sanctuary. If you don’t have time for a tour, the guidebook will help you focus on some of the most spectacular images there.

Go to the Crypt Church. That’s the lower level. Besides the Church itself (where there is Mass almost every hour it seems) there are several chapels and some beautiful statues. There is a section there with items from Blessed John Paul II and from Pope Benedict’s recent visit. Pope Paul VI’s tiara is there too.

Again, use the guide book to narrow down which chapels to see based on your own heritage and spiritual interests. For example, there is a side altar to Our Lady of the Rosary and one to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal so if one of those is a special devotion to you, find it. There are chapels funded by Irish Catholics and Vietnamese Catholics (among many of national/heritage ones) so you can match up to your own heritage. There is something with the Knights of Columbus (I think it was the carrilon) so if you are a Knight (or married to one), that might be something you want to see.

Have a great trip.
 
I would echo Corki’s suggestion to visit the lower level, where you will see devotional statues representing many Marian apparition sites from around the world.
 
convert999 said:
Not sure where to put this. We’re visiting our daughter in D.C. next month and I want to visit the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Since we have a very tight schedule, can you recommend some specific things that we definitely don’t want to miss?
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don’t forget the John Paul II Center across the street from the Shrine. It’s awesome!

if time permits, head for the Franciscan Monsatery which is about 10 minutes away from the Shrine. They have an incredible Rosary Rose garden!👍
 
It has been many years since I have visited the Shrine. When you enter the main part of the Church on the upper level, take a few minutes to gaze upon the mosaic of Christ behind the main Altar. It is magnificent !!! His eyes seen to follow you. Take a picture or buy a post card of this mosaic. Also visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel which is on the left side of the main Altar down near the front. You can go to www.nationalshrine.com for more info and they have a virtual tour so you can get an idea of what you may want to see. Enjoy your visit.
 
We go there every few months. I love the section in the very back of the upper church behind the main altar. It is a series of mosaics showing the mysteries of the rosay. The Christ the Judge seen as you walk in is the main mosaic for the glorious mysteries. For the joyful mysteries it is Mary and the dragon from revelation. Very cool! The luminous mysteries are in a new chapel all the way in the front of the church.
 
Thanks everyone! We are looking forward to our visit and you have given us some great ideas.
 
The Shrine is a major “stop” on your trip. don’t rush through it.

In your tight schedule, if any time opens up, visit the National Cathedral on Massachusetts Avenue. It’s not Catholic, but it is very inspirational. You should spend two or three hours there, touring and visiting their large gift shop.
 
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