Visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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I’m considering visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. I feel it would be an enriching spiritual experience and draw me closer to God. Have any of you been there? And if so, what did you think of your experience?
 
When our diocese’s youth groups head to DC for the March For Life, we always have a mass there. Last time we were there all I could think was what a priest once said, “when you step into a church, you’re stepping out of time and catching a glimpse of what’s behind the veil.” When you go the Shrine, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and it made those words from my priest really ring true. It’s like a glimpse of heaven. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to wander around because it is two floors worth of art and adoration. A friend of mine joined an order of religious women who take their vows in the Crypt Church and she said that she couldn’t think of a better place to be married.
 
njlisa said:
I’m considering visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. I feel it would be an enriching spiritual experience and draw me closer to God. Have any of you been there? And if so, what did you think of your experience?
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It is absolutely beautiful and it will definitely be a spiritually enriching experience. There are regularly scheduled tours which I would recommend. Also, while in the area, don’t miss the Saint John Paul II Shrine which is right across the street and also the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America which is also very close. I believe the JPII Shrine still has a class 1 relic of JPII (vial of his blood). Safe travels on your pilgrimage!
 
I visited it several years ago and I promise you will not be disappointed! In fact, if you don’t go, you will regret it later. Absolutely go see it. It is breathtaking!
 
tm21 said:
It is absolutely beautiful and it will definitely be a spiritually enriching experience. There are regularly scheduled tours which I would recommend. Also, while in the area, don’t miss the Saint John Paul II Shrine which is right across the street and also the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America which is also very close. I believe the JPII Shrine still has a class 1 relic of JPII (vial of his blood). Safe travels on your pilgrimage!
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The gardens at the monastery are beautiful!
 
My parish and diocese is going in October. I’ve never been there and according to those I’ve spoken with who have, it’s beautiful. I also asked if it’s handicapped friendly and it is. I’ve got two bad knees due to bone on bone arthritis and sometimes need a walker and must sit frequently. I’m looking forward to it!
 
I went many years ago in my late teen years with an Uncle and a cousin. I remember it was such a huge event, as it is our nation’s Catholic pilgrimage. I have decided to go this year. My parish and a neighboring parish are setting up buses from Queens, New York to Washington DC. They are providing a one day or a two day stay. I opted for the one day stay because the two day was, obviously, more expensive, with only 2 meals and a tour of the sights in DC. Well, anyway, I have to get up “at the crack of dawn” to get to the neighboring parish to get on the bus, which leaves 6 am and we return to our parish at about 9 p.m. A long hectic day, but now that I am much older, I think I will appreciate it more. My Uncle passed away 4 years ago, and it will also be a nice way for me to remember him and how he helped form my Catholic Faith!!
 
njlisa said:
I’m considering visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. I feel it would be an enriching spiritual experience and draw me closer to God. Have any of you been there? And if so, what did you think of your experience?
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I’ve been there several times. I really love to visit. Don’t try to see everything in one day - it’s sensory overload. 🙂
 
Its beautiful. Yes and don’t forget to visit the monastery a few blocks away. I also love st. Patrick’s downtown DC. Think its one of the oldest churches in DC.
 
Truly beautiful & spiritually uplifting place to visit. You will not regret going. Bring the camera for pictures of the Church & grounds.
 
Thanks, everyone, for your answers. I’m on their Web site every day, yearning to visit.
 
I actually donate to the Basilica monthly, not much, $10.00, because it is the most beautiful Basilica I have ever seen in this country. I have been overseas on a Catholic pilgramliage and this Bacilica rivals any of those overseas. I want it to continue to be around so others may enjoy it’s beauty.
 
When I was in high school, a priest was assigned to my first - his first after being ordained. After several years, he was moved to the Basilica to assist their. Every Advent, he would invite several of the families (mine included) from his first parish to help decorate the Basilica for the Christmas season, and it was truly breathtaking!
 
What a blessing you are about to receive!

I took the Metro and walked a few blocks (uphill) to the Basilica; a bus is supposedly nearby.

I arrived early enough in the mid morning that I was able to attend Confession as well as Mass and Rosary in the lower crypt. I then spent a few hours taking in the beauty and art and spirituality of the Basilica. Have plenty of room on your camera! There are also a number of opportunities to light votive candles.

Don’t pass up the chance and blessing to go.
 
Give it as much time as you can! I have to second the visit to the Shrine of St. John Paul just down the street. It is wonderful.
 
That area of D.C. is called Little Rome. Another thing to check out is the Dominican House of Studies. If you can, go to Mass there; it’s the Dominican rite so it will be a bit different from the Latin rite. And I lucked out when I went there since I was acquainted with a Brother studying there so I was invited to look at rare manuscripts in the library. I don’t know what they offer for tourists but going to Mass there was worth it.
 
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