Welcome to the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America, and is one of the ten largest churches in the world.  It is the nation’s pre-eminent Marian Shrine, dedicated to the patroness of the United States—the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

In 1990, Pope John Paul II elevated the National Shrine to the status of a minor basilica, bestowing this papal honor for its historical importance, dignity and significance as a center of worship and devotion and as an expression of a special union with the Holy Father.  On April 16, 2008 Pope Benedict XVI visited the Basilica during his Apostolic Journey to the United States.

Affectionately referred to as "America’s Catholic Church," the Basilica is open 365 days a year and receives an estimated one million visitors annually.  Six Masses are celebrated daily, and Confessions are heard five hours daily.  The Basilica is host to diocesan, ethnic, and group pilgrimages attracting pilgrims from around the country and around the world.  The National Shrine offers daily guided tours and operates a Catholic Gift Shop, a Catholic Book Store, and a cafeteria to accommodate its visitors.

Thank you for visiting the Basilica online.  We welcome you to visit us in person!

For information about the Basilica of the National Shrine's Year of Jubilee -- 2008 - 2009 click here

For information about the Pauline Year, June 2008 - June 2009, and the Celebration of the bimillennium of the birth of the Apostle Paul click here

 

 

For photos of the Holy Father's visit to the National Shrine  click here

 

Our Regular Schedule

Sunday Masses 5:15 pm (Vigil), 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 noon (choir) 1:30 pm (en Español) 4:30 pm Sunday Rosary 1:10 p.m. (Crypt Church)	Daily Masses 7 am, 7:30 am, 8 am, 8:30 am, 12:10 pm & 5:15 pm Daily Rosary 11:45 a.m. (Crypt Church)
Sunday Confessions 10 am - 12 noon 12:30 - 1:30 pm (en Español) 2 - 4 pm	Daily Confessions 7:45 - 8:15 am 10 am - 12 noon 3:30 - 6 pm

Upcoming Special Events

Solemn Vigil Mass for Life Solemn Mass for Life Mass in Honor of Infant of Prague