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MARY’S Volume , No. Fall/Winter 

America’s Catholic 100 Years

109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 1 8/12/20 1:22 PM » ’S MESSAGE Mary’s Shrine By Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, J.C.L. Bachrach

s we prepared to say goodbye to In an address to the priests of , our Holy 2019 on New Year’s Eve, one of Father, Pope Francis, spoke of the coronavirus my collaborators commented that as an “impalpable presence” that “has been 2020 was going to be a great year! able to disrupt and overturn” what we see AI have reminded him several times so far this as a priority, causing a type of suffocation year that he was dead wrong! Who would have and devastation of society. The Holy Father ever thought that in 2020 we would experience encouraged, “let us not fear…the presence of the coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest, and the Risen One traces our path, opens horizons uncontrolled violence in our cities. and gives us the courage to live this historic and unique moment” (Address, May 31, 2020). When I was ordained more than thirty years ago, I would never have anticipated a time Courage is something we have witnessed when we would close our churches to the during the coronavirus pandemic, beginning faithful, let alone have to wear masks at , with those who contracted the disease, those be socially distant, and limit the number of who lost their lives, and loved ones who people who could congregate in one place. suffered the pain of not being physically present, especially at the time of death. The As is the case with every part of society, the courage expressed by first responders and was also affected by the health care workers, who at the risk of their coronavirus pandemic. We closed our own safety, placed their lives at the service of to the public on March 17 and on Monday, others is truly heroic! June 22, we began Phase II of re-entry from the coronavirus. At that time, we welcomed Courage, also known as fortitude, one of the the faithful once again for Mass, private prayer, Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, has also been and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. However, exemplified by each one of us, who in the face because COVID-19 restrictions are still in place of uncertainty, lived this “historic and unique we have been limited to the number of persons moment” and continued to move forward, we are able to accommodate. I look forward looking for the bright light at the end of this to the day when Phase IV is announced, and dark period. we return to “normal” operations in whatever At the early stages of the coronavirus, Pope capacity our “new normal” will be. Francis advised, “think about when we will return to the street…when we will hug again… During the twelve-week closure, our full-time when it will be all a memory [and] normality staff continued to work and our housekeeping will seem like an unexpected and beautiful staff disinfected and cleaned the Shrine from gift…. Every second will be precious” (March the very top, to the very bottom, literally, so 18, 2020). when we reopened we were as “immaculate” as our name! We also spent a lot of time "re- I believe that among the many lessons learned doing" things to accommodate the coronavirus during the pandemic is how precious life is and restrictions, such as livestreaming Mass each how life can change in a fleeting moment. I pray Sunday. This Mass has been extremely well that as we return to whatever the “new normal” received! From the Third Sunday of Lent to will be, we do not forget this important lesson. the Third Sunday of August, through social “Every second will be precious.” media alone we have reached more than three While 2020 has been a most unusual year, it is million households or individuals. This new also a centennial year for Mary’s Shrine. May 16 aspect of our ministry would not have been marked the 100th anniversary of the blessing possible without the generous assistance of the of the land on which the Shrine is built, and . We have been able to September 23 will mark the 100th anniversary of continue this ministry through the goodness of the placing of the Stone. our donors, who wanted to make certain that those who must remain at continue to be Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Chairman spiritually nourished. of the National Shrine Board of Trustees, is

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5 Photo of Our Lady of by Matthew Barrick. Prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick the PrayerHealthto Our of Lady, restrictionsand thecoronavirus are lifted. D.C., entersPhaseIVofitsreopeningprocess all otheranniversaryeventsuntil Washington, centennial year. However, we have postponed on Sunday, September 20,whichwillbeginour scheduled tobethecelebrantatnoonMass MISSION STATEMENT give honortoMary, andare sent tospread God’s word wherever theygo. living symbolsof Christ’s presence intheworld.It ishere that the faithfulgathertoworship God, saving moment offaith,hopeandcharity, sothattheymaybe reconciled and transformedinto and Catholicheritage.Mary’s Shrine andbeyond invitespeoplefrom intothe across thecountry United States becauseoftheirdevotiontheMother toMary ofGod, gives visibilitytotheirfaith asthemodelforthatjourney.with Mary This monumental church, raisedby Catholicsofthe It offers visitorstheoccasionforadeepeningconversion, inthejourneyto God, astepforward to thepatroness ofournation,isaplaceworship, ,evangelization andreconciliation. The Basilica ofthe National Shrine oftheImmaculate Conception,aCatholicchurch dedicated Composed byPope Francis amidtheCOVID-19 pandemic . 1 _ B A S I L I C A _ M A I L E R . i n d d

3  O gloriousandblessed Virgin. Amen but deliver danger, usfrom every of we whoare intrial, Do notdisdain theentreaties Holy Mother ofGod. Under your protection, we seekrefuge, to thejoy oftheresurrection. to leadus,through thecross, and carriedoursorrows who hastakenuponhimselfoursufferings and todoaswe are toldby , To tothewillofFather conform Help us,Mother ofDivineLove, after thistimeoftrial. we mayreturn tojoy andtofeasting so that,asinCana ofGalilee, and we are sure thatyou willprovide know whatwe need, You, Salvation oftheRoman People, keeping your faithfirm. inJesus’who atthecross tookpart pain, Health oftheSick, We ourselves toyou, entrust as asignofsalvation andofhope. You alwaysshineonourpath O Mary Prayer translation by Catholic NewsService. byCatholic Prayer translation us allinhertendercare! next 100yearsImmaculate andmayMary keep May forthe God continuetoblessourministry who have sustainedMary’s Shrine for100 years. Mary Blessed Virgin As we celebrate Mary’s Shrine A Century ofDevotionA Century tothe , mayGod blessallthose u u Y Fall/Winter  .

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P M Reconsecrating Our Nation to Mary, Our Mother n the first day of May, bishops from across the OUnited States joined together from their respective dioceses in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic to renew the consecration of our nation to the care and powerful of the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title Mother of the Church. The Most Rev. Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington and

Chairman of the National Shrine Catholic Standard/Andrew Biraj Board of Trustees, led the liturgy The United States is reconsecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the for the renewal of consecration Church, during the COVID-19 pandemic. from the Basilica's Great Upper Church. today with confidence and help us to be your Son’s instruments for the healing and salvation of Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, our country and our world.w expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Gregory for leading the consecration renewal at the Archbishop Gregory concluded the renewal of Basilica since, “it was here in 1959, on the day consecration imploring, “Mary our Mother, the National Shrine was dedicated, that the bring everyone under your protection and entrust bishops of the United States consecrated our everyone to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our nation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her Lord. Amen.” title of the .” During the May 1 liturgy, Archbishop Gregory Due to local and federal mandates, the Basilica, prayed, “Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of the and therefore the consecration renewal, were not Church, in this time of pandemic we come to open to the public. However, the liturgy was you, our sign of sure hope and comfort. Today livestreamed to the faithful with more than 4,000 we renew the act of consecration and entrustment virtually participating in the event. The video carried out by those who have gone before us.” Renewal of the Consecration of the United States of America to the Blessed Virgin Mary remains He continued, “Accept with the benevolence of available for viewing on the Basilica’s YouTube a Mother the act of consecration that we make channel at YouTube.com/MarysShrine. u

Supporting Frontline Health Care Workers

rom May 6 through May 11, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Fthe Immaculate Conception was illuminated in blue as part of the nationwide “Light it Blue” campaign to show support for frontline healthcare workers in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The light display, which coincided with National Nurses Week, was a joint effort of the Basilica and The Catholic University of America to pay tribute to doctors, nurses,

and frontline workers who put their lives at Catholic University/Rui Barros risk to care for and protect others during Basilica illuminated in blue to support pandemic frontline workers. the coronavirus pandemic. light to so many during these unsettling days.” Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, Throughout the Basilica’s closure, the priests said, “The display is intended to shed light in of Mary’s Shrine celebrated Mass daily and this moment of COVID-19 darkness as well as especially remembered frontline health care serve as a tangible sign of gratitude to health care workers and those suffering from the coronavirus workers and first responders who have been a in their prayers. u

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 4 8/12/20 1:22 PM Feeding Those in Need during COVID-19

hough closed to the public, the Basilica of Tthe National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception opened its parking lot on May 19 to serve as a massive food distribution site for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. That day, in an effort to mitigate the significant food insecurity caused by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, more

than 800 meals and 800 boxes Orsburne Catholic News Service/Tyler of groceries were distributed to Food is distributed to those in need during COVID-19 by Catholic Charities from the needy families and individuals Basilica parking lot. who arrived by car and on foot. lot,” Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Nearly two months later, on July 10, Basilica, said. He continued, “While we an additional 500 boxes of food were eagerly await the day when we are able to distributed once again by Catholic Charities. more fully open the doors of Mary’s Shrine, “We are grateful to have played a small role we hope that our continued prayers will in helping to provide physical sustenance to further sustain all those affected during these those in need simply by opening our parking difficult times of coronavirus.”u

Praying the with Pope Francis t the close of the Marian month of May, the Basilica of the National Shrine A of the Immaculate Conception joined Pope Francis in praying the Rosary to “bring the trials and tribulations of people around the world to the feet of Mary” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pope Francis called for this time of prayer in union with all the of the world “as a sign of nearness and consolation for those Maxey Monsignor Rossi prays with Pope Francis via livestream. affected by the coronavirus, in the certainty that our Heavenly Mother never refuses our around the world, including Lourdes, Fatima, pleas for protection.” and Guadalupe, was transmitted to the Vatican Organized by the Pontifical Council for where it was sequentially displayed on monitors Promoting the New Evangelization, the event in the Vatican Gardens for the Holy Father to was titled “Devoted with one accord to prayer, view. The event was also broadcast worldwide together with Mary” (Acts 1:14) and took place by Vatican Television, connecting the faithful in on May 30, the day before Pentecost. this global prayer effort. Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, More than 7,000 people tuned into the and the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, National Shrine’s livestream of Praying the the sacristans of the Basilica, prayed the Rosary Rosary with Pope Francis via its website, from the Great Upper Church at the same Facebook page, and YouTube channel. For time the Holy Father led the Rosary from the those in interested in viewing the event or Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens praying the Rosary virtually with Mary’s in Rome. Shrine during these continued difficult times of pandemic, please visit YouTube.com/ Live video of the recitation of the Rosary from MarysShrine and look for the video Praying the the Basilica and other participating shrines from Rosary with Pope Francis. u

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 5 8/12/20 1:22 PM Bringing the Basilica to You

n a typical year, the Basilica of the INational Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world, welcomes nearly one million people. 2020 is certainly not a typical year! On March 17, the

National Shrine closed Lo Scalzo Agency/Jim European Pressphoto to the public for what Stay connected with us online at nationalshrine.org and on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, is believed to be the and Twitter. first time in its nearly 100-year history for a non-weather-related where you can stay informed of the latest event. The closure extended through June 21. news and events, take a virtual tour, submit Since June 22, the Basilica has been in a state of prayer requests, light a candle, order enrollments limited reopening with adjusted schedules and and devotional items, shop for religious gifts, operations. and make online donations. Despite the unprecedented closure and current We also invite you to follow us on Facebook, limitations on the number of people allowed YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Watch onsite at any given time, the Basilica has livestreamed Masses and other events, participate welcomed more visitors online than ever before. virtually in the Sunday Mass, learn more about the Basilica—its art and , chapels and Thanks to technology—our website, social oratories, history and heritage, and deepen your media platforms, livestreaming and broadcast Catholic faith through our posts on solemnities, capabilities, the National Shrine has reached , and more. millions across the nation and around the globe—more than it might have otherwise were While we long for the day when we can once again it not for COVID-19 quarantines, stay-at-home more fully open our doors to the faithful, please know that the priests, religious, and staff of the orders, and social distancing measures. Basilica continue to work tirelessly to bring If you haven’t done so already, we encourage you Mary’s Shrine to you. Thank you for staying to visit our website at www.nationalshrine.org connected with us! u Upcoming Basilica Broadcasts on EWTN (all times Eastern) September 20 100th Anniversary Mass of the Placing of the 12 noon September 26 Marian Rosary Congress Mass 2 pm October 2 Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic 2 pm November 1 The Solemn Mass of All Saints 12 noon November 2 Choral Concert for the Commemoration of All Souls 7 pm December 9 The Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception 12 noon December 24 Choral on the Nativity 10 pm December 24 Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve 10:30 pm December 25 Solemn Mass of Christmas Day 12 noon December 25 Spanish Christmas Mass (EWTN Español) 2:30 pm January 28 National Prayer Vigil for Life Opening Mass 5:30 pm January 29 National Prayer Vigil for Life Closing Mass 7:30 am

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 6 8/12/20 1:22 PM Help Us Build a New Century of Faith Robert Isacson Through a gift to the Centennial Fund, you can help Mary's Shrine build a new century of faith at America's Catholic Church.

tanding in the heart of our nation’s capital, to fill the significant budget shortfall due to lost the Basilica of the National Shrine of the offertory revenue. Immaculate Conception has served as S This year, thanks to the “CARES Act” passed the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine for one hundred years. by Congress, there are some special tax benefits you can take advantage of when you support the As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of National Shrine with a gift to the Centennial the placing of the foundation stone for this Fund. Most importantly, for this year only, magnificent Basilica dedicated to Our Lady, we everyone can deduct up to $300 for charitable look forward to a new century of faith gifts—even if you do not itemize your taxes. and service to the Church in the United States In other words, a gift of $100 or more to the with the Blessed Mother by our side. Centennial Fund can serve as a tax deduction for you on your 2020tax return. In preparation for the next 100 years, the Centennial Fund has been created to ensure Furthermore, donors wishing to make larger gifts Mary’s Shrine will continue to fulfill its before December 31, 2020, will be able to deduct 100-year-old mission to serve as America’s up to 100% of their adjusted gross income. This Catholic Church, uniting all Americans with is an increase from 60% in most years, enabling Our Lady and her Son. donors to give more of their income to help nonprofit organizations in this difficult time. If The Centennial Fund also answers the critical you are able, please consider making a generous need created by the sharp decrease in our weekly gift to support the National Shrine and take offertory collection due to the pandemic and advantage of this one-time tax benefit. subsequent mandatory shuttering of the doors of Mary’s Shrine. Since it is not a part of any For 100 years, the Basilica of the National Shrine individual diocese, Mary’s Shrine operates of the Immaculate Conception has promoted through the generosity of thousands of faithful devotion to Our Lady and brought the saving pilgrims who visit each week. But the canceled message of Christ to Catholics and non-Catholics Masses and have meant a temporary alike in the United States. With your continued halt to giving from the pews and a significant prayer and support, Mary’s Shrine will stand unanticipated revenue shortage. strong for another one hundred years. As we celebrate our centennial anniversary, we We hope you will consider making a special gift are asking the readers of Mary’s Shrine newsletter to support the Centennial Fund today. to consider a special gift of $100 or more to the For more information, or to make a donation to Centennial Fund to celebrate each of the 100 the Centennial Fund, please visit, www. years since its founding. This will greatly help nationalshrine.org/CentennialFund. u

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 7 8/12/20 1:22 PM The Chronicle of the Foundation Stone Geraldine M. Rohling, Ph.D., M.A.Ed. Archivist-Curator n 16 May 1920, as the festivities for Co., creator of the “timbrel construction,” the blessing of the land came to a close which, in the coming years, would be used in Oand evening settled over the white- the construction of the Crypt Church. As they corded outline of the National Shrine, there traveled the Post Road, they “viewed all lingered a faint whisper, not of a hope or a of the granite markers placed on the route of the dream, but of an actuality. The land had been Continental Army” (14 Sept 1920). blessed and on September 23, the foundation Back in his shop, Sexton shaped the block of stone—not a “corner” stone but the actual first black New Hampshire granite into a 3.3-ton stone—would be laid. quadrangular stone (5 ft. x 3 ft. and 2.4 ft. James Joseph Sexton, a deep). Sexton was more than pleased, “I believe Connecticut monument maker, it is the finest stone ever placed in any building and a Knight of Columbus, in America for [this] purpose.” With the rem- had heard of the plans for the nants, 100 small samples were cut and polished dedication of a foundation as mementos for the attending dignitaries. stone for the National Shrine. Larger “handsome pieces” were prepared for Writing to his pastor and Cardinal Gibbons and Bishop Shahan. The

Sexton Business Card brother Knight, Rev. J. largest “sample” was for the Vatican museum. James J. Sexton O’Connor, Sexton asked for his In mid-June, Sexton was ready to cut the assistance in securing the honor of donating this inscription into the stone. He wrote to Shahan first stone: stating it would be cut in Roman lettering “just As a fitting tribute to Almighty God for His as you suggested,” a text written in the fin- goodness to me during the last fifty years of my est prose of early Church and Roman epigraphs: business career I wish to present in the name D[eo] * 0[ptimo] * M[aximo] / Lapidem of my family and myself the [foundation] stone Istum Primarium / Ecclesiae Beatae Mariae of polished granite suitable for the National Virginis Immaculatae / Posuit Feliciter / Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, to be laid Jacobus Cardinalis Gibbons / VIII [ante September 23rd, 1920. I ask you to convey my diem] Kal[ends] Octobris An[no] MCMXX request … to His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons / Benedicto XV Pontifice Maximo / Praeside through the Right Reverend Thomas Joseph Stat[uum] Foed[eratorum] Am[ericae] Shahan, D.D. (27 April 1920). Woodrow Wilson / Rectore Cath[olica] With his offer accepted, Sexton went prospect- Univ[ersitatis] Americae / Thoma Joseph ing for “the largest and most beautiful” piece of Shahan / D[one] D[edit] Jacobus Joseph granite. He found it in the White Mountains of Sexton. New Hampshire, “right in the mountain side.” That is to say: Not leaving anything to chance, he had the granite block “taken out while [he] was there.” [To] God, the Best, the Greatest / This First Stone / of the Church of Blessed Mary, Virgin The return trip to Stratford, Connecticut, Immaculate / Happily placed by / James was more than just a delivery; it was the first Cardinal Gibbons / on the 8th Day [before] leg of a hallowed pilgrimage. The 300-mile the Kalends [1st] of October [i.e., on the 23rd route followed “part of … the road Paul of Sept] in the Year 1920 / Benedict XV, the Revere rode.” Upon arrival in Cambridge, Supreme Pontiff / the President of the United Massachusetts, the truck “circled the very spot States of America / Woodrow Wilson / the where General Washington took command Rector of Catholic University of America / of the Continental Army in 1775.” In part, Thomas Joseph Shahan / the donor of this gift this was a tribute to his “Great Grand Uncle, [stone] James Joseph Sexton. General [John J.] O’Sullivan [Sullivan], one It bears noting that some authors and publica- of the Green Mountain Boys, [who] was on tions have mistakenly stated that the date is Washington’s staff at the time.” From there, they wrong. The date on the foundation stone is correct. traveled to Lexington, site of the famous “shot The inscription was misread. heard around the world,” then on to Woburn, Massachusetts, whose militiamen fought and Sexton was extraordinary in his sense of his- died at Lexington. Woburn was also the home tory. The trip to Washington, D.C. became a of the tile factory of the Rafael Guastavino continuation of the historic pilgrimage begun

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 8 8/12/20 1:22 PM Geraldine M. Rohling Geraldine M. Foundation Stone on the mountain in New Hampshire. Sexton newspapers and “Moving Picture Photographers intended to deliver not only a “first stone” but of ” reported the arrival of the also a touchstone of American devotion and stone on Saturday, September 18. The truck was of Americana. To that end, he wanted as many escorted by a bicycle squad of police as it made people as possible to see the stone, “the many its way down 5th Avenue towards the Cathedral thousands who may never again have a chance of St. Patrick. People lined the avenue blessing to see it.” themselves, some tried to touch or even kiss the stone as it passed in front of them. At the ca- The Pilgrimage to Washington began on thedral, Archbishop Patrick J. Hayes and Mayor Wednesday morning, September 15, with a high John F. Hylan welcomed the pilgrims to New Mass sung by Father O’Connor at the parish York City and the Archbishop blessed the stone. church of St. James in Stratford. The truck and The reception was particularly remarkable con- stone, decorated with silk American and Papal sidering the Street bombing just three days flags, was parked in front of the main entrance earlier. The original plan was for Archbishop for all to see and touch. For this “creditable Hayes and Mayor Hylan to receive the stone trip” of distance and tonnage, Sexton acquired a on Wednesday at twelve-noon in front of the “new [Nash] truck, all highly painted in green, Sub-Treasury (Federal National Memorial), and gold.” A placard on the side of the truck and to lay a wreath where Washington took his said it all: “From the White Mountains of New first oath of office, across from the J. P. Morgan Hampshire to Washington, D.C. Ceremonial building— the exact date, time, and place of the Stone for the Shrine.” The following morning, explosion. Thirty-eight people were killed, and they left for Washington. the wounded were in the hundreds. The per- petrators were never found. It was later learned that a scheduling conflict saved the stone from destruction and the participants from certain injury or death. Many days later, while reflect- ing on the trip and the tragedy in NYC, Sexton wrote to Shahan, “This really proves that we were under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Heavenly Father.” In , the stone passed in front of Independence Hall before arriving at the cathedral where Archbishop Dennis J. Dougherty, chairman of the National Shrine

BNSIC Archives Building Committee, gave his blessing. Sunday, 19 Sept 1920, Sexton, Pace, Shahan, McKenna September 19, the last day of the journey began in with the reception by Cardinal Among the many stops, the reception in New Gibbons. Sexton had acquired this “new truck” York City was the most enthusiastic. The specifically for this trip. So later that afternoon,

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 9 8/12/20 1:22 PM The Mysterious

outside of Washington, Sexton met the two Special seating was provided for the women sales managers of the area Nash dealership and who collected the funds for the Shrine, particu- they “piloted” the “gigantic motor truck” to its larly the International Federation of Catholic destination. The foundation stone arrived at the Alumnae, who helped organize this event. Their site of the National Shrine and was received by generous benefaction would span future decades Bishop Shahan around 4:30 that afternoon. and include the main in the Crypt Church and two rose in the Great Upper It was calculated that during this four-day jour- Church. At the ceremony, the Catholic women ney, over one million people viewed the stone, of America were hailed as “the principal builders including 100,000 “children of the schools, of the National Shrine” and applauded for their public and parochial.” The trip was quite an devotional fervor and diligent fundraising. accomplishment. From the pulpit, Bishop Shahan welcomed The Day of Dedication was an event of historic everyone, greeted the dignitaries, foreign and proportions for the Catholic Church. As noted domestic, including Assistant Secretary of State in the dedication program, even before the V. S. Merle-Smith, representing the White Civil War, Catholics had envisioned a “splendid House, high-ranking officers of the military, and church … at the heart of the nation.” With the introduced Cardinal Gibbons. Congratulatory beginning of such a church now at hand, an in- telegrams from Pope Benedict XV and from vitation ran on three successive days in the local Francis Cardinal Bourne, Archbishop of newspapers inviting the public of “Washington Westminster, England were read. Shahan then and Vicinity … to be present at the laying of announced the papal gift, the first of its kind the foundation stone” of the National Shrine, to the Church in America, the Immaculate which was to be erected “in memory of our Conception mosaic, which would become the soldiers and sailors and as a glorious tribute to hallmark of the National Shrine. Below the pul- the Blessed Virgin” (Washington Post 20-23 Sept pit, among the honored guests, was Abbé Jean 1920). News account would later estimate a J. M. Aboulin, C.S.B. (), who in 1909 gathering of 15,000 people. took the first practical step towards building the Early in the day on September 23, people began National Shrine by making the first donation: gathering at the newly excavated grand basin. $1,000. Bouquets of gold and white flowers and silk flags provided as much elegance as an excavation site could muster. In the center of the basin, where the of the north and east would one day meet (Oratory of ), the foundation stone was suspended by a steel rigging within a white A-frame wooden derrick decorated with American and Papal flags. Shahan At 2:55 p.m., the choir intoned the proces- sional hymn and the march of ecclesiastics, led by the friars of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, proceeded from Caldwell Hall towards the grand basin. Members of religious communities and diocesan priests Aboulin followed, taking their place below the pulpit on the eastern rise of the basin. Next came the American hierarchy. The 4th degree Knights of Columbus dressed in their regulation silk BNSIC Archives Shahan and Aboulin hats, frock coats, sashes, and swords served as the honor guard for Archbishop Giovanni Bonzano, Apostolic Delegate, William Cardinal The Blessing Ritual began as Cardinal Gibbons O’Connell, Archbishop of Boston, and James made his way down the red-carpeted Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore. flanked by the Knights of Columbus with their At the time, O’Connell and Gibbons were the swords at salute. Vesting in a mitre of white silk only Americans in the College of Cardinals; embroidered in gold, a cope of white moire silk Gibbons was the senior churchman. They took richly embroidered in gold, and the “Hibernian” their places on crimson colored thrones on the crosier of Bishop Shahan in hand, Gibbons western rise of the basin, surrounded by the proceeded to a faldstool on a red and gold American hierarchy. carpet. Following the opening prayers, he stood

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 10 8/12/20 1:22 PM BNSIC Archives Blessing the Foundation Stone

and faced the large wooden cross below the top. The copper box, the gift of Sexton’s wife, pulpit, symbol of the main altar, and sprinkled Elizabeth, contained the parchment of attesta- the ground with holy water. Turning towards tion, U.S. coins, and the membership rolls of the foundation stone, he read aloud the inscrip- Salve Regina. The final act of blessing was the tion and the prayer of blessing and sprinkled the chanting of Veni creator spiritus. stone with holy water. As the choir chanted the Litany of Saints, Gibbons traced three crosses on each side of the stone with the silver-plated ceremonial trowel made of donated jewelry, reciting each time: “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Then, placing his right hand on the stone he prayed, “In the faith of Jesus Christ, we place this first stone in the foundation.” The stone was lowered into place with the assistance of Sexton, his two sons, 2d Lt. Vincent (Air Corps) and Navy Seaman Leo, and nephew Pvt. William S. Fitzgerald. The Cardinal then spread the first

trowel of mortar on the stone. The stonemasons BNSIC Archives permanently secured the stone to its base and Placing the Stone inserted the copper box into the opening on From the pulpit Bishop John T. McNicholas of Duluth, a distinguished orator of the time, preached the sermon. Archbishop Dennis J. Dougherty of Philadelphia imparted the papal benediction and concluded with the Te Deum.

The following day, the feast of Our Lady of , Msgr. Edward A. Pace, General Secretary of The Catholic University of America, celebrated Mass at the site for “our soldiers and sailors, living and deceased.” This concluded the two-day event. The foundation stone was then encased in a wooden crate until late 1922, when

Geraldine M. Rohling Geraldine M. Bishop Shahan turned “the first sod” to mark Ceremonial Trowel the beginning of actual construction. u

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109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 11 8/12/20 1:22 PM GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE

Holy Family Glass features 2021 Mary and the Saints traditional Catholic images Murano Rosary on both sides. 902 8mm Murano Rosary $99.95 contains special feasts and is Calendar 901 4” discs $14.95ea 903 8mm Murano Clasp Bracelet $29.95 marked with days of Fasting, special Saints Days, and the Sundays of the Liturgical Year for both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Calendars. 900 Mary and the Saints Wall Calendar $14.95

Olivewood Nativity Bell Ornament Handmade in Bethlehem, this detailed ornament Song of Angel Christmas makes a wonderful statement of Cards with artwork by William Holy Family Icon handmade in the birth of Jesus Bouguereau. Verse inside: “In His Greece in the most holy mountains. 904 905 2 ½” $9.95 birth we are blessed, in His name 5x4” $59.95 we rejoice at Christmas and all through the year.” Box has 18 cards and envelopes. 906 $18.00

Celtic Cross Advent 11pc Nativity including Creche 3”scale 909 $49.95 Wreath and Candles 907 Celebrate the Advent Season with this Celtic Cross 9” $21.95 908 Set of 4 tapers in traditional colors, 3 purple and 1 pink. Boxed (not shown) $7.95

2021 St. Joseph Sunday Missal 365 Mary Sunday Missal with A daily guide to Mary’s wisdom 24 Christmas Stories to Prayers, Readings, and & comfort and an invitation to Welcome Jesus Masses for Holy Days. prayer, forgiveness, hope and Hardcover book to celebrate Advent and 910 $5.95 love. 911 $14.99 Christmas with the family. 912 $16.99

USE ATTACHED ORDER FORM OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-333-4411 Mary’s Shrine Y Spring 

109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 12 8/12/20 1:22 PM GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE

Small but Mighty Glass Holy Water Bottle 915 $5.95 Madonna of the Roses 913 Blue Rosary $39.95 Christmas Cards with 914 Burgundy Rosary $39.95 artwork by William Bouguereau. Verse inside: “At Christmas, we remember God’s precious gifts of his own Son and of the Mystical Rose, His Mother.” Box has 18 cards and envelopes. 916 $18.00

Archangels Rosary with descriptive card 918 $29.95

Sterling Silver Florentine Cross Made in Italy ½” on 18” chain. Each one is slightly different. 917 $49.95

Angelic Light Swarovski Crystal Bracelets Silver Necklace and Bracelet 919 Pink Crystal Angel Wing Please visit our website at 929 Necklace $29.95 Bracelet – adjustable $59.95 nationalshrineshops.com 930 Bracelet fits 7-8” $21.95 920 Grey Crystal Angel Wing Bracelet – adjustable $59.95

Immaculate Waters Soaps & Lotions made with Lourdes Grotto Water Follow the words of Our Lady to St. Bernadette: “Go to the spring, drink of it and wash yourself there.” 921 Lavender Bar Soap 4oz $6.95 925 Rose Hand and Body Lotion 8oz $12.95 922 Lavender Hand and Body Lotion 8oz $12.95 926 Rose Liquid Soap 8oz $12.95 923 Lavender Liquid Soap 8oz $12.95 927 Rose Spritzer 4oz $9.95 924 Rose Bar Soap 4oz $6.95 928 Lavender Spritzer 4oz $9.95

VISIT OUR NATIONAL SHRINE SHOPS WEBSITE AT WWW.NATIONALSHRINESHOPS.COM Mary’s Shrine Y Spring 

109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 13 8/12/20 1:22 PM GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE

Good Morning This is God Mug Reads “I will be handling all your problems today.” 935 $9.95

Stemless Wineglasses 15oz. Jesus & Germs Hand Towel “Wash your 931 Divine Intervention $14.95 hands & say your prayers cause 932 Our Daily Red $14.95 Jesus & germs are Everywhere” 933 Forgive me Father $14.95 5”x10” 934 $9.95

Drinking with your Nuns Pulling Sled Patron Saints Christmas Cards New hardcover by author of 6x4 cards in pack of 10 inside text “Drinking with the Saints” “Merry Christmas” 938 $12.95 939 $19.95 Hummel Board Books for Children 936 Lessons from Jesus $4.95 Kneeling Santa Ornament 937 When Do I Pray $4.95 “That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow”. This little ornament represents this scripture. 2 ½” 943 $12.95

Fun Jesus Socks No Problem Llama 940 $12.95 Jesus Loves Ewe 941 $12.95 Wanna Taco bout Jesus 942 $12.95

Letters from Father Christmas Please visit our website at by JRR Tolkien The letters were from Father nationalshrineshops.com Christmas and told wonderful tales with beautiful colored drawings or paintings. 944 $23.99

USE ATTACHED ORDER FORM OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-333-4411

109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 14 8/12/20 1:22 PM GIFTS from MARY’S SHRINE

Gold over Sterling Necklaces L’Innocence Christmas Miraculous 14kt gold over Cards with artwork by William sterling medal on 18” chain Bouguereau. Verse inside: “May this 946 $59.95 Be Not Afraid JPII Signature Bracelet Christmas season fill you with peace and touch you with God’s Love.” Crucifix 14kt gold detail over Written in his own handwriting “be not afraid” became Each Box has 18 cards and sterling 18” chain his motto. envelopes. 945 $18.00 947 $74.95 948 Gold $29.95 949 Silver $29.95

Tiny Bead Rosary Scapular Necklace and Bracelet Necklace features Our Lady Madonna and Child center. 24kt gold plated over 950 14kt gold plated Necklace 20” $29.95 Verse sterling. 952 $36.95 Christmas Cards 951 14kt gold plated Bracelet fits to 7 ½” $21.95 inside: “May you keep in your heart the of Christmas today and forever.” Box has 18 cards and envelopes. Sterling Silver Necklaces 953 $18.00 954 Crucifix on 18” chain $59.95 955 on 18” chain $49.95

RelicR Olive Wood CComfort Cross ThisTh small comforting ccrossr features a relic that ttouchedo the of JJesuse in . 3 ½” 95695 $12.95 Saintly Socks $14.95ea 957 St Joseph 960 St Michael 958 St Francis 961 959 St Therese

All proceeds from your purchases of Mary's Shrine directly support the mission and ministry of the Basilica. Thank you for your support!

VISIT OUR NATIONAL SHRINE SHOPS WEBSITE AT WWW.NATIONALSHRINESHOPS.COM

109665.1_BASILICA_MAILER.indd 15 8/12/20 1:22 PM 1 in Your Will National Shrine Remembering the Leaving aLegacy D Jacquelyn Hayes S Reverend Raymond A. Lebrun, O.M.I. D Reverend MichaelD. Weston D Monsignor VitoA.Buonanno Reverend R Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi Conception Shrine oftheImmaculate oftheBasilicaNational A publication 0 and continued support ofMary’sand continuedsupport Shrine. Thank you foryour consideration prayerful informationorassistance. further 202-526-8300 ifwe canprovide you with Please feelfree tocontacttheBasilica at interest inthefollowing _____). describedproperty or (__shares of_____)orallmyright,titleand or (__%ofrest residue, andremainder ofmyestate) located in Washington, D.C.,(thesumof_____) body corporate oftheDistrictColumbia,and National Shrine oftheImmaculate Conception,a I give, devise,andbequeathtotheBasilica ofthe may simplyincludethefollowing inyour will: advisor forassistanceinmakingabequest.Or, you your will,you maycontactyour attorneyorfinancial anddevotion asapersonallegacy. maintained forfuture generationsasacenterof values intoaction,ensuringthatMary’s House is way to putyour estate planningisawonderful assets butalsothevalues thathave guidedyour life. topassonnot onlyyour offers theopportunity National Shrine oftheImmaculate Conception resources foraccomplishing God’s work. and motivated by adesire tocreate additional F 9 PIRITUAL ECTOR IRECTOR IRECTOR IRECTOR 6 6 To remember theBasilica oftheNational Shrine in Remembering theNational Shrine inyour Leaving alegacygifttotheBasilica ofthe 5 grounded inconfidenceGod’s abundance or many, charitablegivingisanactoffaith . 1 _

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1 6 ’ S 2pm-4 12:30pm-1:30 pm (Spanish) 10am-12noon Sunday Confessions 4:30 1:30pm(Spanish) pm 12noon(SolemnMasswithChoir) 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am 5:15pm(Saturday Vigil) Sunday Masses 7am-6pm(NovemberMarch) -October) 7am-pm(April Shrine Hours www.nationalshrine.org [email protected] Fax: 202-526-8313 Tel: Washington, DC20017 202-526-8300 400Michigan Avenue, NE Location

Basilica of the National Shrine Nonprofit Organization of the Immaculate Conception U.S. Postage 400 Michigan Avenue NE PAID Washington, DC 20017 Basilica of the National Shrine © Conception Shrineofthe Immaculate 2020 Basilica ofthe National 8:30am - 5:30pm 1-October31 ) 8:30am-7 pm(April -Sunday: Saturday Monday-Friday: 9am-5:30pm(Year-Round) Open Daily Gift Shop&Bookstore 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm Sunday 9am, 10 am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm Monday-Saturday Guided Tours Please contactthe Basilicafor Holy Days 3:30pm-6 10am-12noon 7:45am-8:15 Monday-Saturday Confessions 12:10pm, 5:15pm 7am, 7:30am, 8am, 8:30am Monday-Saturday Masses of the Immaculate Conception Holy DaySchedules. (November 1- March 31) 1-March (November 8 / 1 2 / 2 0

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