MARY’S SHRINE
Volume 71 No. 1
Spring/Summer 2010
Immaculate Conception
» Rector’s Message
By Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, J.C.L.
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t’s hard to believe that we have just begun a new decade. Like me, you may remember all the extensive publicity as well as the concerns surrounding the year 2000. And now, here we are ten years into the new millennium! The passing of time is not always a welcome part of life. For each of us, it marks our getting older; it bespeaks change and transition, and hopefully as the years go by, each of us grows in wisdom, knowledge and holiness. As time does not stand still in life, the same is true at Mary’s Shrine. The last decade was a time of growth for Mary’s House with an increased number of pilgrimages, pilgrims, visitors, as well as the addition of new chapels, sculptures, and mosaics. We mourned the loss of Pope John Paul II, we welcomed Pope Benedict XVI, and we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the National Shrine. Many of our visitors, along with our friends and benefactors ask the natural question, “What’s next?” What’s next? Although there is always the prospect of additional chapels and mosaics, our primary goal at Mary’s Shrine is to continue doing what we do and to do it well! Prayerfully celebrating the Eucharist, providing ample opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to offer a place of meditation and prayer where people can step away from the hurried pace of life and deepen their relationship with God, with the Blessed Virgin Mary as their example and guide. In an address given at a general audience on November 18, 2009, just two days before the 50th jubilee of the National Shrine, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the cathedrals of Europe, stating that the art and design of these churches are contributing
Clearly, these words speak of Mary’s Shrine as well. From the moment you walk “beyond the main door” into the Great Upper Church, you encounter the “sovereign, just and merciful Christ” in the magnificent mosaic Christ in Majesty and without question, “enter a time and space that is different from…ordinary life.” By participating in one of the Shrine’s six daily Masses, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or praying of the Rosary, you lend to an interior personal change which reflects the exterior beauty of Mary’s House. At the beginning of a new decade, let us entrust ourselves to Mary’s care, and pray that through her intercession, the National Shrine will continue to be a center of worship and a source of blessing for us and for our country. Although this National Shrine was built in honor of Mary Immaculate, the Shrine stands as a visible reminder that Jesus is the goal and center of our lives and that by imitating the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, placing ourselves at God’s disposal, being open to what God asks and striving to be God’s servants, Jesus will be the center of our lives.
MISSION STATEMENT
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he Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic church dedicated to the patroness of our nation, is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation. It offers visitors the occasion for a deepening conversion, a step forward in the journey to God, with Mary as the model for that journey. This monumental church, raised by Catholics of the United States because of their devotion to Mary the Mother of God, gives visibility to their faith and Catholic heritage. Mary’s Shrine invites people from across the country and beyond into the saving moment of faith, hope and charity, so that they may be reconciled and transformed into living symbols of Christ’s presence in the world. It is here that the faithful gather to worship God, give honor to Mary, and are sent to spread God’s word wherever they go.
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Bachrach
Mary’s Shrine
factors in helping the faithful understand that “Christ is the door that leads to heaven.” “The faithful,” the Holy Father expressed, “on crossing the threshold of the sacred building, enter a time and space that is different from those of ordinary life. Beyond the main door of the church, believers in the sovereign, just and merciful Christ… anticipate eternal happiness in the celebration of the liturgy and in acts of piety carried out inside the sacred building.”
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Statue Dedicated Matthew Barrick
Mrs. Sandra McMurtrie, personal friend of Mother Teresa; Sister Leticia Cabrera, MC, Provincial of the Immaculate Conception Province of the Missionaries of Charity; Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, Celebrant & Homilist; and Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, participated in the dedication of the statue of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
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lessed Teresa of Calcutta, a frequent visitor to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, is now forever memorialized with a beautiful, hand-carved marble statue located in the Hall of American Saints, on the bridge of the Crypt level. The statue is based on a conceptual rendering by Robert Liberace. The generous gift of an anonymous donor, the statue features Mother Teresa cradling an infant in one arm while comforting a poor man at her feet with the other. The statue was dedicated on September 13, 2009, during a special Mass held in the Great Upper Church of the National Shrine. The dedication Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, former rector of the Basilica, who recalled during his homily, “I was very fortunate to spend 25 years of my priesthood serving here at the Shrine. Without a doubt, among the most significant moments of that service were the times that Mother Teresa would visit…precious moments when we had the opportunity to engage in conversation with a person we believed to be a saint.” Bishop Bransfield explained how Mother Teresa reminds us of the universal call to holiness: “to serve Christ by serving our brothers and sisters.” He referred to her visage in the Basilica’s great bas
relief titled Universal Call to Holiness, noting, “As she experienced ‘the thirst of Jesus Christ on the Cross for love and for souls’ she also understood that she could only satisfy His thirst ‘by serving Him in the poorest of the poor.’” Bishop Bransfield urged those gathered for Mass that, “Our faith in the Lord should lead us to care for those around us, especially the poor and those who have no one else to care for them.” He added that such works of mercy are “outward demonstrations of the faith that we have in Christ, who became poor in order to make us rich in life and grace” and “are essential in the life of the Church.” Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, invited the congregation to process from the Great Upper Church to the Crypt for the dedication with a prayer: “May Blessed Teresa walk with us now and every day of our lives so that, through her intercession, the thirsting love of Jesus, which became a living flame within her, will also enkindle us to radiate the light and love of Jesus to all.” Surrounded by more than forty sisters of the Missionaries of Charity—the order founded by Mother Teresa—and hundreds of the faithful, the statue of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was solemnly dedicated and blessed with prayer, holy water, incense, and great joy. M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
Matthew Barrick
Bishop Bransfield, Archbishop Sambi, Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Wuerl, Archbishop Dolan, Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop O’Brien and Monsignor Rossi are among the 125 concelebrants of the Solemn Liturgy in Celebration of the National Shrine’s 50th Anniversary.
Celebrating 50 Years A Golden Jubilee T
he Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s celebration of its year-long jubilee, commemorating the 50th anniversary of its dedication, culminated November 19-22, 2009, with a series of solemn events to mark this significant milestone in the history of the National Shrine.
“We pray that this votive Shrine of yours will be a pleasing and sacred sanctuary for your people who, through the passing centuries, will flock to it in crowds and meeting with a generous response to their prayers, will there obtain solace, light, and peace, ever gathering a new strength and virtue for living their Christian life with piety, energy and purity.”
Solemn Liturgy in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary
Bishop Bransfield delivered a powerful homily in which he spoke of the Shrine being built of “living stones” enumerating how, “if these stones could speak,” they would tell of a house of hope, unity, welcome, refuge, refreshment, restoration, prayer, pilgrimage, charity, and service through its first fifty years.
On November 19, the Bishops of the United States celebrated a solemn liturgy in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the National Shrine. Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, Chairman of the Basilica’s Board of Trustees, was the principal celebrant. Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of WheelingCharleston, Rector of the Basilica from 19862005, was the homilist. Over 55 Cardinals and Bishops— among them Cardinal William Baum, Major Penitentiary Emeritus; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington; Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore; and Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York— and over 70 priests, including the Basilica’s Rector, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, joined in the celebration of this Jubilee Mass which was broadcast by EWTN, Catholic TV, and Salt+Light TV of Canada. Among the highlights of the Mass was Archbishop Sambi’s reading of the letter written by Pope John XXIII (now Blessed) to the Bishops of the United States on the occasion of the dedication of the National Shrine in 1959: M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
Ushering in the next fifty years and beyond, Bishop Bransfield proclaimed, “if these stones could speak they would announce that this building is still a work in progress…how this church and every church in Christendom is a work in progress” and how “as faithful as we try to be and are, we are not perfect…if we were perfect, we would not need this Gospel, this Eucharist or this building…But it is because we are imperfect and somewhere on the road to perfection that we desperately need buildings like this, Gospels like that of the Annunciation and the blessed and broken Eucharistic bread to sanctify us and to feed us as the pilgrim church on earth.”
Ad Jesum per Mariam, A Jubilee Concert On November 20, the actual date of anniversary of the dedication of the National Shrine, the Choir of the Basilica performed a Jubilee Concert of Marian Music in the Basilica’s Crypt Church. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Latona, the Basilica’s Director of Music, the Choir performed 14 pieces express-
Matthew Barrick
ing devotion to Our Lady through song. The Choir was accompanied by the Crypt Church’s Schudi Organ, played by Daniel Sañez, Assistant Director of Music for the Basilica.
Jubilee Pilgrimage Saturday
The Basilica hosted its final Jubilee Pilgrimage Saturday on November 21. Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, guided pilgrims through the Great Upper Church, visiting the Oratory of Our Lady of Fatima and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, singing Immaculate Mary and Salve Regina, and praying the Litany of the Blessed Mother. Afterward, Dr. Geraldine M. Rohling, Archivist and Curator of the Basilica, presented a lecture titled, The Fulfillment, which featured the history of the Basilica from 1953 to date based on her book Jubilee 2009—A Photographic History of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Solemn Closing Mass of the Jubilee Year Wearing vestments specifically made for and worn by Cardinal Francis Spellman at the dedication of the National Shrine in 1959, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, celebrated the Solemn Closing Mass of the Jubilee Year held on Sunday, November 22, the Solemnity of Christ the King.
The Mass incorporated other pieces of National Shrine history, and instituted new ones as well.
Newly installed during the Closing Mass of the Jubilee Year was an ombrellino, historically an umbrella used to protect the Holy Father from the weather during papal processions through the streets of Rome. Today, the ombrellino is a mark of honor for a basilica, symbolic of its special bond
shared with the papacy, and is displayed partially open in anticipation of the arrival of the pope. The Mass was punctuated by An Act of Re-Dedication to Our Blessed Mother, the prayer which was prayed on the day of dedication in 1959 at the National Shrine and by the faithful in over 16,000 parishes throughout the United States. Monsignor Rossi reflected, “As we pray this prayer, let us entrust ourselves to Mary’s care, so that through her intercession, the National Shrine will continue to be an instrument of blessing for our country and people.” He concluded, “Although today’s Mass will mark the end of our Jubilee Year, it certainly does not bring an end to the great work of Mary’s Shrine…Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1920, this building has stood as a challenge to all who enter our doors, to reflect Mary’s life and to build…a heart open to God’s Word and receptive to fulfill his will.” Matthew Barrick
The processional cross used during the Mass was designed for the National Shrine at the Vatican Shops and was used at the Mass of Dedication in 1959 and later for Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Shrine on October 7, 1979. The set of cruets, for water and wine, was the gift of Pope Pius XII. Made of Waterford Crystal, they carry the inscription: The Marian Year 1953-54, the year that fundraising and construction resumed to bring the Shrine’s superstructure to completion in 1959, at which time it was dedicated. The Chalice used during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was presented at the first public Mass in honor of the National Shrine, before it was even built, and is inscribed: First Chalice Dec. 8th 1917.
Hermes Argueta, a longtime Shrine employee, carries the newly installed ombrellino at the Closing Mass of the Jubilee Year.
Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, celebrates the Closing Mass.
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Masses of Thanksgiving for Newly Canonized Saints St. Jeanne Jugan
Foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of the canonization of St. Jeanne Jugan was held on October 25, 2009, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, just two weeks following her canonization in St. Peter’s Square in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI. St. Jeanne Jugan is the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a congregation of 2,700 sisters who care for over 13,000 elderly poor residents at more than 200 homes in 32 countries around the world. Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl celebrates the St. Jeanne Jugan Mass of Thanksgiving. of the Basilica, noted in his welcoming remarks that “the Little Sisters are our neighbors here in Mother Loraine Marie Clare, lsp, Provincial Northeast Washington and we at Mary’s Shrine Superior of the Little Sisters of the Poor, who have seen the dedicated ministry of the Sisters—a attended the Mass of Thanksgiving at the ministry which St. Jeanne Jugan envisioned and a Basilica, as well as the canonization in Rome, ministry of which she would be proud.” echoed that sentiment: “God’s timing is never a Monsignor Rossi was referring to the Little Sisters coincidence and He picked a very opportune of the Poor who serve over 100 elderly at their moment in our history to canonize [St. Jeanne nearby Jeanne Jugan Residence. He prayed, “May Jugan]. It is a time when the elderly are often St. Jeanne Jugan help us, like her, to serve our overlooked and forgotten and frequently treated brothers and sisters as we would Jesus himself.” without the dignity and the respect that is, in fact, their due, not only as members of the Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington human family, but as children of God.” was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. He recounted how the congregation of the Speaking to the 1,200 gathered for Mass in the Little Sisters of the Poor was born on a cold Great Upper Church of the Basilica, and to those winter’s night in 1839, in a Breton village in watching on EWTN and Catholic TV, Mother France, when Jeanne Jugan encountered an Loraine continued, “Your prayerful support elderly, blind and infirm woman who was alone means everything to the Little Sisters, as without and in need and in whom she recognized the you, our mission is incomplete. Collaboration of presence of Jesus Christ. Jeanne Jugan carried the the laity in the work of caring for the elderly was woman to her home, placed the woman in her always a part of the founding charism of St. bed and cared for her and the many others who Jeanne Jugan. She left us a legacy to believe that came to her door soon thereafter. our Heavenly Father and our patron, St. Joseph, help us and take care of us through all those Archbishop Wuerl noted, “While the world has persons sent our way each and every day. We are greatly changed since those days 170 years ago, so thankful for the part you play in helping us to the needs that inspired St. Jeanne Jugan still live out our vocation in service to the elderly of remain a part of our life.” today’s world.”
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Catholic Standard/Rafael Crisostomo
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Catholic Standard/Rafael Crisostomo
Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, celebrates the St. Damien Mass of Thanksgiving. Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Basilica Rector (far left), and Father William F. Petrie, ss.cc, Provincial of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (far right), concelebrate.
St. Damien of Molokai
Servant of Humanity, Martyr of Charity Catholic Standard/Rafael Crisostomo
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he Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception fittingly marked World Leprosy Day on January 31, 2010, with a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of the canonization of St. Damien of Molokai. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and was sponsored by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the community to which St. Damien belonged. During his welcome, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, referred to the mission of the Congregation “to contemplate, live and announce to the world God’s love, which was made flesh in Jesus.” Monsignor Rossi remarked that “St. Damien lived this mission to the fullest extent, leaving his native Belgium to proclaim the Gospel and serve lepers on the Island of Molokai, eventually becoming a leper himself.” Father William F. Petrie, ss.cc, Provincial of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, delivered the homily in which he spoke of the three calls that St. Damien responded to in his life. His first call was to the religious life of which St. Damien wrote, “The will of God is that I quit the world to embrace religious life. It is God who calls me and I must obey.” His second call was to a missionary vocation which led St. Damien to Hawaii where he was ordained a priest in Honolulu at Queen of Peace Cathedral in 1864. He wrote home, “I am a priest. How great my obligations are. How great my apostolic zeal must be.” His third call was in response to his Bishop’s request for volunteers to go to the island of Molokai to meet the needs of the people who
An image of St. Damien of Molokai was displayed in the sanctuary during the Mass of Thanksgiving.
had been quarantined there because of their leprosy. St. Damien accepted the call and arrived on Molokai in 1873 where he “was able to be pastor, doctor, nurse, carpenter, plumber, supply procurer, grave digger, coffin maker and church builder.” Father Petrie poignantly spoke of St. Damien contracting leprosy in 1884, ironically leaving him isolated and without support from the Church hierarchy, government officials and even members of his own Congregation. Yet “despite sickness, pain, and rejection, St. Damien proclaimed, ‘I am the happiest missionary in the world.’” St. Damien died on April 15, 1889, at the age of 49. A martyr of charity, he was canonized on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome and was given the designation Servant of Humanity. His Feast Day is celebrated on May 10, the day he arrived on Molokai beginning his witness of God’s love there. M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
St. Alphonsus Ligouri Statue Blessed John Whitman
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statue of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, a Doctor of the Church and the founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists, was blessed on December 13, 2009, during Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help where it now resides. The statue of St. Alphonsus came to the Basilica from the Church of St. Boniface in Philadelphia. Due to structural issues, the 19th century church was deemed unsafe for worshippers and was closed by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Redemptorists. However, the statue of St. Alphonsus was preserved, and through the efforts of Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Chairman of the Basilica’s Iconography Committee, the statue was transferred to the Basilica. The Very Reverend Patrick Woods, CSSR, Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Providence, was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Father Woods remarked, “it is so very appropriate that Alphonsus, the great defender and promoter of the Immaculate Conception, be in her Basilica.” He continued, “We Redemptorists do not think it is by coincidence that the chosen spot for the statue is in the shadow of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the most popular icon in the world, and a great patroness of the order founded by
The Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help where the statue of St. Alphonsus Ligouri now resides.
Alphonsus.” He noted, “The same Holy Father, Pope Pius IX, who declared the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, gave the Redemptorist Order the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help two years later with a simple mandate: Make her known.”
John Whitman
Father Woods referred to the motto on the Redemptorists’ Coat of Arms: “With him there is plentiful Redemption” and explained that “both Perpetual Help and the Immaculate Conception capture the reality of God’s saving grace.” Of the statue of St. Alphonsus Ligouri now in the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, remarked that “it is a beautiful addition to the Chapel” and a fitting location for the saint who proclaimed and spoke of the “Glories of Mary.”
The statue of St. Alphonsus Ligouri stands behind Father Patrick Woods, CSSR, who delivers the homily. M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
In addition, Monsignor Rossi expressed his gratitude for the dedicated service the Redemptorists have provided the Shrine for so many years, not only through the gift of the Chapel in 1962, but most especially through their assistance with hearing confessions at the Shrine and staffing the monthly novena in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.”
1909 Society Commemorates Centennial of Founding Gift W
hile the year 2009 marked the 50th Anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, it also marked another important milestone—the 100th Anniversary of the very first gift, the founding gift, given for the construction of the National Shrine. Abbé Aboulin, as he was affectionately known, made a personal gift of $1000 in the year 1909 for the creation of a National Shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, Mary’s Shrine stands as a testament to his lasting vision and remarkable generosity. Though small in stature, Abbé Aboulin was at once a giant of a man and a gentle soul. Born and ordained in France, the Reverend Jean Joseph Marie Aboulin moved to America and lived out his priestly life in humble poverty and devoted service to God and his flock in the United States. He had great devotion to Mary, “my most beloved Mother…to whom I owe the greatest of graces I have received, especially the grace of my vocation.”
In honor of Abbé Aboulin and his generous founding gift, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has instituted the 1909 Society to which all are invited to join as Charter Members with an anniversary enrollment in the amount of $1000 or more. Charter members will play an important, lasting and meaningful role in the history of the National Shrine as it begins the second century since its founding. In joining the 1909 Society, Charter Members will provide resources necessary to maintain the National Shrine throughout the year and in perpetuity, in loving and everlasting tribute to Mary Immaculate. Charter members will receive a special lapel pin to be worn exclusively by members of the 1909 Society, and, if they wish, will be recognized in the Basilica’s newsletter, Mary’s Shrine. For more information on the 1909 Society, please visit www.nationalshrine.com/1909Society.
1909 SOCIETY CHARTER MEMBERS (enrolled as of March 1, 2010) • Mrs. Harry F. Abbott
• The Driscoll Family
• Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Micheli
• The Honorable Donnald K. Anderson, K.G.C.H.S.
• Mrs. Helen Q. Garza
• Ms. Gigi C. Moore
• Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baird
• Ms. Florence Gohla
• Dr. Christopher P. Poje
• Mr. Harry K. Ballantyne
• Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Hamer, Sr.
• Ms. Mary Frances Quaid
• Mary Joan Blum
• Dr. and Mrs. Edward Healy
• Mr. Eugene Bransfield, Sr., KHS
• Mrs. Kathleen C. Holden
• Ms. Ruth M. Bridges
• Paramatman Johnson
• Mr. and Mrs. Clifford W. Buck
• Ms. Catherine C. Kemp
• Mr. Stephen J. Butler
• Mr. Henry D. Lehtinen
• Mrs. Kathleen Hanlon Chorlton
• Mr. Frank Liebsch
• LCDR James M. T. Connolly, CHC, USN
• Mary L. E. Quinn • Mr. Paul G. Romanek • Mrs. Maryland Rush
• Dr. Anthony L. Imbembo
• Joseph and Elaine Scuderi • Mr. John J. Scully • Stania A. and Henry J. Smek • John and Janell Smith • Mrs. Alice Marie Stone
• Ms. Lourdes T. Mamon
• Donald C. Tappe
• Ms. Mary E. Mancini
• Michael “Whit” Conway
• Miss Elizabeth C. Mandapat
• Colonel and Mrs. Micheal W. Thumm, USMC Ret.
• Mr. Rocco Cotroneo
• Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McAleer
• Mr. John Wong
• Mrs. Lorraine McGlynn
• Mr. and Mrs. Prosper Youm
• Mark J. McKnight
• Maria Patricia Yu
• Mr. Gerald P. Curran, RA and Mrs. Nida Fe BitoinCurran, RN • Reg and Joan Dickhaus
• Aloysius H. and Ida Rose Meyer M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
Sacrifice of Enduring Love
CMSWR Eucharistic Congress John Whitman
Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec, Canada (The Eucharist in the Mission of Marriage and the Family); Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston (The Eucharist and the Evangelical Life); Mother Ann Marie Karlovic, OP, Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters Congregation of St. Cecilia in Nashville (Religious Life: A Solemn Hundreds of women religious and lay faithful participate in the Eucharistic Congress. Pledge of Undivided Love); he Council of Major Superiors of Women and Archbishop Edwin Religious (CMSWR) sponsored its second O’Brien of Baltimore (Priesthood: A Eucharistic Congress at the Basilica of the “Monomaniacally Consuming” Vocation). National Shrine of the Immaculate Other speakers included Mother Mary Quentin Conception, September 11-12, 2009. Sheridan, RSM, Chairperson of the CMSWR; Titled Sacrifice of Enduring Love, the Eucharistic Father Bernard Marie Murphy, Community Congress explored in depth three ways of life— Servant of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Priesthood, Religious Life and Marriage, the Renewal; Laura Molla Pannuti, the daughter each of which is characterized by an irrevocable of St. Gianna Beretta Molla; and Monsignor commitment, an identification with Christ in Eduardo Chavez Sanchez, the postulator for the his obedience to the Father, and a complete gift cause of canonization of St. Juan Diego. of self in love. Among its many features, the Congress The Congress welcomed thousands of the exhibited a relic of the Tilma of St. Juan faithful who participated in person at the Basilica Diego, the garment upon which an image of and via television broadcast on EWTN, Catholic Our Lady was miraculously imprinted in 1531. TV and Salt+Light Television of Canada. The Tilma was made available for veneration by the faithful in the Basilica’s Chapel of Our Lady Centered on the Eucharist as the sacrifice of Guadalupe, courtesy of the Knights of of enduring love, the Congress opened and Columbus. Participants were also treated to a closed with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. grand fireworks display outside the Basilica in The Opening Mass was celebrated by Cardinal celebration of the Eucharistic Congress. Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, with a Welcome from Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, Chairman of the Basilica’s Board of Trustees. The Closing Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The Congress included daily Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for Eucharistic Adoration, and a Eucharistic Procession and Benediction.
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The daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla tells of her mother’s sacrifice of enduring love.
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Major addresses were presented by Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus (Called to Love: A Common Vocation, An Uncommon Joy); Cardinal Marc
Mercy Our Hope
North American Congress on Mercy
Felix Carroll
Dr. Scott Hahn delivers the keynote address “Lord Have Mercy” at the North American Congress.
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n response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call at the 2008 World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Rome to spread the message of the Lord’s mercy, the 2009 North American Congress on Mercy (NACOM) was born. Held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on November 14, Father Matthew R. Mauriello, President and Coordinator for NACOM, remarked “It is like we brought the lit torch, just like the Olympics, begun in Rome, to us here in North America, and from the North American Congress on Mercy in Washington, DC, then to each parish and diocese.” He explained further that the North American Congress on Mercy was also to serve as a bridge to the next World Congress to be held in Krakow, Poland, in 2011.
Noting the significance of this, the first North American Congress on Mercy, being held in Washington, DC, and at the Basilica, Father Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, who served as Vice Postulator of St. Faustina’s canonization cause, exclaimed, “It was in this city…very near to this august center of worship, that the message of Jesus—The Divine Mercy—began to be propogated on this continent…It is here, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, that the Feast of His Mercy, designated by our Lord for the first Sunday after Easter, has been annually celebrated since 1990…So, there is a deep connection between the two great mysteries of our faith—The Divine Mercy and The Immaculate Conception.” Felix Carroll
Promoted as a “grace-filled opportunity to gain a deeper, more profound understanding of God’s infinite mercy,” the Congress featured speakers, including keynote speaker Dr. Scott Hahn, who gave personal testimonies on the transforming power of mercy—the Divine Mercy revealed to St. Faustina by Jesus himself as recorded in her diary, Diary of [Saint] Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul.
his homily, he preached, “We who are gathered in this great basilica share the mercy of God, a mercy which fills our hearts with hope, a hope which causes us to live differently, to choose what is right, what is good, what is true…let us ask Mary, the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, the Mother of Mercy, our sweetness and our hope, to pray with us and to pray for us.”
The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation was available to congregants throughout the Congress, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet was sung during the 3 o’clock hour, the Hour of Divine Mercy, during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Episcopal Advisor for the North American Congress on Mercy, celebrated Mass for the Congress. During
Father Patrice Chocholski, General Secretary of the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, addresses the North American Congress.
M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
Geraldine M. Rohling tholic Standard/Archdiocese of Washington
Bruges Madonna and Child By: Geraldine M. Rohling, PhD, MAEd Archivist and Curator
O
n December 7, 2009, the American unveiling of the first cast bronze replica of the Bruges Madonna and Child by Michelangelo was held in Memorial Hall. The world debut of this bronze copy was held at the Casa Buonarroti Museum in Florence, Italy, in October, 2009. This first authentic bronze replica is cast from the only existing plaster mold made in 1932 by the Fonderia Artistica Ferdinando Marinelli in Florence, the world-renowned bronze foundry and the only foundry permitted to take a mold of this masterpiece. The mold survived World War II hidden in a tunnel in Florence. The only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during the Renaissance, the history of the original marble masterpiece includes the intrigue of international politics. Purchased by a wealthy Flemish merchant in 1504, the statue was transported from Florence to Bruges, Belgium, in 1506. Seized by French Revolutionaries in 1794 and brought to Paris, it was returned to Bruges
The first cast bronze replica of the Bruges Madonna and Child by Michelangelo on display in Memorial Hall through April 7, 2010.
upon the defeat of Napoleon. In 1944, the statue was taken by the Nazis during World War II. Having been recovered it was returned to Bruges and now resides at the Church of Our Lady. This first cast bronze replica will be on display in Memorial Hall at the Basilica of the National Shrine through April 7, 2010.
Picturing the Rosary By: Geraldine M. Rohling, PhD, MAEd Archivist and Curator
D
uring the month of October 2009, the Basilica of the National Shrine hosted an exhibit sponsored by The Foundation for Sacred Art titled Picturing the Rosary. The twenty oil paintings by Anthony Visco of Philadelphia depicted the twenty mysteries of the rosary in the azulejo or the blue and white style of Lisbon, Portugal, reflecting the Marian message. These oil paintings were the cartoons for the porcelain tiles of the “Rosary Walk” at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisconsin. From the Picturing the Rosary Exhibit: The Proclamation of the Kingdom by Anthony Visco. M a r y ’s S h r i n e v S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 0
GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE Heavenly Protectors These beautiful statues and San Damiano crucifix feature rich metallic gold tones paired with sculpted details that will complement any home or office. 1101 Madonna and Child 6” high $39.95 1102 San Damiano Crucifix 10” high $39.95 1103 San Damiano Crucifix 18” high (not shown) $59.95 1104 Immaculate Heart of Mary 10” high $49.95
First Communion Rosaries Perfect keepsakes for First Holy Communion. The gift set includes a rosary made in Italy and a remembrance card. The rosary for girls is made of white pearls. The rosary for boys is made of natural hematite. Both have a chalice center and silver crucifix. 1105 Girls Rosary Gift Set $19.95 1106 Boys Rosary Gift Set $19.95
First Communion Statues A nice commemorative gift for First Holy Communion, these beautifully detailed resin statues are finely crafted and painted. Each is inscribed at the base with My First Communion. A gift every child will love. 6” high and boxed. 1107 Girls First Communion Statue $19.95 1108 Boys First Communion Statue $19.95
Vatican Collection Cameo Jewelry Perfect gifts for any occasion, this beautiful Cameo group from the Vatican Collection will be enjoyed by many. Features Pearls, Glass Beads, and Mother and Child Cameos. Celebrate Mother’s Day, Birthdays or a gift for someone special. Each is individually gift boxed. 1109 Cameo and Crystal Earrings with lever back clasp. 1” L $36.95 1110 Pearl and Cameo Necklace 16” L with 2” extender $49.95 1111 Cameo and Glass Bead Rosary Bracelet fits up to 7” $49.95
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GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE CDs 1112 I Dreamed A Dream: The debut album from Susan Boyle, the British singing sensation who stunned the judges, audience and TV world, coming out of nowhere to audition for “Britain’s Got Talent” with a powerfully moving rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables. Like Paul Potts the year before, Boyle’s humble appearance belied her amazingly rich, beautiful voice that won the hearts of listeners worldwide. This first album is the talk of the music world and includes I Dreamed a Dream, Wild Horses, Amazing Grace and many more jewels. $14.95
1113 Alma Mater: Songs & Prayers to Mary: This unique and amazing new recording features Pope Benedict XVI singing or reciting hymns and prayers to Our Lady accompanied by The Vatican Choir. His Holiness uses several languages in this recording including Latin, Italian and French, all recorded at St. Peter’s Basilica or during his Papal trips abroad. The album also features classical music by an international group of composers performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at London’s Abbey Road studios. Hymns include Regina Coeli, Mater Ecclesiae, Sancta Dei Genitrix, Benedicta Tu, Advocata Nostra and more. $18.95
1114 The Priests: Harmony: This is the second album by The Priests, the singing priestly trio sensation from Ireland who broke the Guinness world record last year for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time. Harmony highlights more glorious spiritual hymns featuring their rich vocals and lovely harmonies on favorite sacred songs such as The Lord’s Prayer, Amazing Grace and much more. The album was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London and The Priests are accompanied by the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. $15.95
DVDs 1115 The Reluctant Saint DVD: Maximilian
1116 The 13th Day DVD: In a world torn
1117 Mother Teresa DVD: In a powerful
Schell stars as the “flying friar”, St. Joseph of Cupertino, in this heartwarming and amazing true story of the humble Franciscan who literally rose to sainthood in the impoverished village of 17th-century Cupertino, Italy. After Joseph’s peasant mother convinces the reluctant abbot to accept her uneducated son into the monastery, it takes a kindly local bishop as well as a series of miraculous events to change the minds and hearts of his fellow friars in the monastery that it is God, and not the devil, who is responsible for Joseph’s amazing powers. New to DVD, this is a profound and humorous film for all ages! $19.95
apart by persecution and war, three children in Fatima, Portugal, were chosen by God to offer an urgent message to the world. Based on the memoirs of the oldest seer, Lucia dos Santos, and thousands of eyewitness accounts, The 13th Day dramatizes the true story of three young shepherds who experienced six apparitions of Our Lady between May and October 1917, which culminated in the Miracle of the Sun on October 13th. Stylistically beautiful and technically innovative, the film uses stateof-the-art digital effects to create stunning images of the visions and the final miracle that have never before been fully realized on screen. $24.95
portrayal, Golden Globe winner Olivia Hussey illuminates the life story of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, the selfless missionary who brought hope, love and salvation to the poorest of the poor. A shrewd diplomat and an indomitable force, Mother Teresa was unwilling to accept what others deemed impossible, fearlessly fighting for the unloved and the forgotten. Her good works transcended hardships and ultimately earned her international acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize. The small miracles and humble triumphs of Mother Teresa will inspire you in this poignant tale of a modern-day saint.
$19.95
CHILDREN’S BOOKS 1118 Blessed Trinity Missal and Prayer Book: The Blessed Trinity Missal and Prayer Book is an excellent choice for a First Holy Communion gift. This pocket-sized missal for First Communicants is one of our most popular children’s missals. The book includes: all of the Eucharistic prayers, a simple explanation of the Mass, the Mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, everyday prayers, directives for Confession and much more. Please specify color – White for girls or Black for boys – when ordering. $12.95
1119 Today I Made My First Communion: Join Maria, Riley and their classmates as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist. This gift book is a wonderful combination of storybook, reference book, and keepsake book for young First Communicants who will learn a lot about the Church, the Mass, music and prayer. There is also space to record the events of that special day. This beautiful book carries the imprimatur of the Catholic Church and will be a great keepsake for anyone making his or her First Communion. $19.95
1120 New Catholic Picture Bible: Includes Catholic stories taken from the Bible, intended for children, and easy to understand. The first part treats the Old Testament and contains the most important and memorable events in God’s dealings with man during that time. The second part contains sixty stories from the New Testament that narrate beautifully the life, teachings, and work of Our Lord and Savior. These simply written stories, from the acclaimed Fr. Lawrence Lovasik, have been praised by leading Catholic educators for their style and will delight children. $9.95
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GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE DEVOTIONAL BOOKS 1121 Prayers and Personal Devotions of Mother Angelica: For Mother Angelica, prayer is an unceasing daily conversation with the Divine. Now, for the first time, she shares a lifetime of her private prayers and devotions so that you can experience and utter the very words that have shaped her incredible life. This treasury of material, much of it never before published, includes a complete prayer journal composed during her own personal dark night of the soul and two moving versions of the Stations of the Cross composed for her community. Throughout, Mother’s humor, warmth, and wisdom shine through, making this a cherished companion for anyone striving to grow in holiness. $17.00
1122 The Secrets of Mary: Gifts from the Blessed Mother: Through the centuries, the Virgin Mary has appeared to ordinary people of every race and culture, bringing forth her messages of love, peace, and comfort. In these trying times, Mary’s wisdom is needed more than ever. InThe Secrets of Mary, bestselling author Janice Connell chronicles gifts Mary has brought from God, drawn from Scripture, experts, and eyewitness accounts. This new collection of stories includes an ancient account of St. Augustine’s discovery of Mary’s power, insights from world-famous visionaries through the ages, and much more. $24.99
1123 The Mystery of Joseph: Although the greatest of saints after Mary, St. Joseph is perhaps the least well understood. In this illuminating new book, Fr. MarieDominique Philippe, O.P. leads you deep into the beautiful mystery of St. Joseph revealing the greatness of the apparently unremarkable man who was the guardian of Jesus and Mary, and who is now the Guardian of the Church, “overflowing with immeasurable wisdom and power.” After reading this book, you will never see St. Joseph (and perhaps yourself) in quite the same way again. $14.95
MEDITATIONAL BOOKS 1124 Hungry Souls: After a week of hearing ghostly noises, a man is visited in his home by the spirit of his mother, dead for three decades. She reproaches him for his dissolute life and begs him to have Masses said in her name. Then she lays her hand on his sleeve, leaving an indelible burn mark, and departs. Hungry Souls recounts this and many others trustworthy, Church-verified accounts of earthly visitations from the dead in Purgatory. Accompanying these accounts are images from the “Museum of Purgatory” in Rome, which contains relics of encounters with the Holy Souls, including numerous evidences of hand prints burned into clothing and books that cannot be explained by natural means or duplicated by artificial ones. Riveting! $16.95
1125 Signs of Life: From Scott Hahn, bestselling author of The Lamb’s Supper and Reasons to Believe, comes his newest book celebrating the touchstones of Catholic life. Signs of Life is Hahn’s clear and comprehensive guide to the Biblical doctrines and historical traditions that underlie Catholic beliefs and practices. Devoting single chapters to each topic, the author takes the reader on a journey that illuminates the roots and significance of all things Catholic, including: the Sign of the Cross; the Mass; the Sacraments; praying with the saints; guardian angels, sacred images and relics; the celebration of Easter, Christmas, and other holidays; daily prayers; and much more $23.00
1126 After This Life: What Catholics Believe About What Happens Next: EWTN host and bestselling author, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, knows from experience as both a priest and psychologist that anxiety and fear about one’s mortality is one of the most common personal problems people have. Most tend to avoid the issue of mortality entirely. In this new book, however, the holy Franciscan priest from the Bronx masterfully explains how consoling and uplifting the truths surrounding death, judgment, Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven really are. Learn to live each new day with confidence based on the mercy and love of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, who spoke often of death and the last judgment through his parables. $12.95
SAINTS BOOKS 1127 Meditations from a Simple Path: “Works of love are always works of joy.” These rich words of wisdom and conviction are among the countless pearls of thought left to us by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and found in Meditations from a Simple Path. Comprised of luminous selections culled from the bestseller, this warm and loving volume is a joyful celebration of prayer, faith, love, service, and peace. Profound and uplifting, this elegant little book will provide a tremendous source of inspiration for you from one of the 20th century’s most beloved saints. $12.00
1128 I Believe in Love: This spiritual classic has long been beloved by Catholics for its wondrous distillation of the teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux into a reader-friendly set of meditations. Fr. Jean C. J. d’Elbée brings you her teachings on God’s love and the confidence in Him that it should inspire in your soul. I Believe in Love has helped countless souls embark on the way to the Father. It will help you focus on Him throughout each day, rest in Him amid your troubles, and live joyfully with Him at every moment. A must-read for any devotee of the Little Flower! $15.95
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1129 Damien the Leper: Joseph De Veuster left his secure life in Belgium to spend the rest of his days as Fr. Damien comforting the sick and dying in the Hawaiian islands. Though virtually entombed among the living dead of a leper colony on the island of Molokai, Fr. Damien managed to find beauty and enchantment in the lush surroundings. His extraordinary journey of the spirit comes to life in John Farrow’s classic biography. Be moved and inspired by this unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and devotion by one of our newest saints who was canonized on October 11, 2009. $12.95
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A publication of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi Rector Reverend Vito A. Buonanno Director of Pilgrimages Reverend Michael D. Weston Director of Liturgy Reverend Raymond A. Lebrun, O.M.I. Spiritual Director Jacquelyn Hayes Director of Communications & Editor
Location 400 Michigan Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20017 Tel: 202-526-8300 Fax: 202-526-8313
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Monday – Saturday Confessions 7:45 am – 8:15 am 10 am – 12 noon 3:30 pm – 6 pm
Shrine Hours 7 am – 7 pm (April – October) 7 am – 6 pm (November – March)
Guided Tours Monday – Saturday 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm Sunday 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
Sunday Masses 5:15 pm (Saturday Vigil) 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am 12 noon (Solemn Mass with Choir) 1:30 pm (Spanish Mass) 4:30 pm Sunday Confessions 10 am – 12 noon 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm (Spanish) 2 pm – 4 pm Monday-Saturday Masses 7 am, 7:30 am, 8 am, 8:30 am 12:10 pm, 5:15 pm
Holy Days Please contact the Basilica for Holy Day Schedules.
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Cover photo by Matthew Barrick
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