We have traveled a lot and had many adventures since our move to DC. In our almost 4 years here I have come to love one place in particular. There is one special place I would visit 100 more times if I could. We have taken the kids here a few times but I enjoy visiting without them more. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is an amazing place.
If you have never been to the Basilica, I will give a little explanation of what it is. It is a church were Mass is offered on a regular schedule every day/week. We haven’t attended Mass at the Shrine for various reasons but I’ve heard the Mass with the choir is a treat to hear. Throughout the Basilica there are different size shrines to the different miracles/names of Our Lady. Fellow Catholics are welcome to bring flowers, light candles and pray among their favorite of the many shrines honoring Mother Mary.
We don’t worship Mary we ask her to pray for us. Think about it this way you really need advice and you ask a friend to pray for you. How much more powerful do you think the prayers of Jesus’s own Mother? Mother Mary please pray for us.
We have visited the Shrine on at least 4 different occasions. Our last visit was Palm Sunday. George has humored me the past couple of years when I ask for a date and suggest the Basilica. The best way I can explain the way it makes me feel when I’m there is like Mother Mary has her arms wrapped around me. Nothing can happen to me while I’m in this place. It’s peace and comfort and peace that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. I guess it would make sense that I would want to go back for that warm and fuzzy feeling.
I don’t just love it for the warm feelings. The art work wows me every time. The love and time that was put into each piece of tile to make such beautiful mosaic art is amazing. I insist on seeing everything no matter the fact that I have see most of it 4 times. I can’t do the art justice with meager words like beautiful and amazing. It really does take my breath away.
It’s hard to choose a favorite shrine at the Basilica. I will say I always stop to pray at the shrine for Our Lady of Fatima. My patron saint and the one who brought me to it. I also have a spot in my heart for Our Lady of Mount Caramel. Scapular wearers will understand. My other favorite part of the shrine is seeing the amazing statue of Mother Teresa. She was such a wonderful example of how to love everyone and God. I am very excited about her canonization coming up this fall. It really is a powerful thing for me (as I shed a few tears typing this). She has been a leading force in the great examples of how I want to live my life. I am happy to say my girls love her too. They even wrote Pope Francis requesting that she be canonized. Mother Teresa please pray for us.
Well there it is my favorite place in DC. I hope you enjoyed. If you have any questions about the Catholic Faith feel free to email me at Adventureswithsix@gmail.com
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