Mary's Shrine
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’ MVolume 82, No.A 1 RY S SHRISpring/SummerNE 2021 Woman Clothed with the Sun » RECTOR’S MESSAGE Mary’s Shrine By Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, J.C.L. Bachrach Century of Devotion to the Blessed has enabled us to spiritually nourish more than Virgin Mary is the theme for the 2.6 million viewers since pandemic restrictions 100th anniversary of the placing were imposed. Although those confined to of the Foundation Stone of the home have been unable to physically participate ANational Shrine. Since we began our centennial in Mass in their parish church and receive Our year on September 20, 2020, the world has Lord in Holy Communion, they have been able continued to confront the coronavirus which to join in the prayer of the Mass, which, our has restricted our movements and as a result, Holy Father, Pope Francis, teaches “is prayer prohibited any type of 100th anniversary par excellence, the loftiest, the most sublime, events. However, we are hopeful that as vaccines and at the same time, the most concrete” are issued and the world begins to reopen, (General Audience Address, November 15, while we might not be able to host any special 2017). events, the possibility exists that we may have a fitting closing to our Jubilee Year. As is the case worldwide, the coronavirus pandemic has greatly inhibited our ministry At the request of Cardinal Wilton Gregory, at Mary's Shrine. We have been limited to the the Archbishop of Washington and Chairman number of people we can welcome for Mass, of the National Shrine Board of Trustees, our all of our special events and pilgrimages from Holy Father, Pope Francis, has granted a Plenary March 2020 through the first half of 2021 Indulgence to those who come on pilgrimage have been cancelled. As a result, our financial and visit Mary’s Shrine during our Jubilee Year. status has been compromised. Thankfully, Given the coronavirus gathering restrictions, I our wonderful donors have responded to our am grateful that Pope Francis has extended the requests for assistance to help “make ends meet.” Indulgence to “those impeded by some other serious reason” which the coronavirus pandemic During the past year, the faithful friends of is, by fulfilling the three usual conditions of Mary’s Shrine have proven once again just how prayer for the Intentions of the Holy Father, the faithful they are and how important Mary’s reception of Holy Communion and sacramental Shrine is to them. We have received messages of confession, as soon as possible, and “in the support, encouragement and expectation for the presence of an image of the heavenly Patroness, time when Mary’s Shrine will welcome guests spiritually offer their prayers, sorrows, and without coronavirus restrictions. difficulties of their own life, to the merciful God through Mary.” Pope Francis has stated, “it is impossible to emerge from a crisis the same as before. Either In the face of the many challenges imposed by we come out better or we come out worse. And the pandemic, each of us has also been forced how we emerge depends on the decisions we to confront what really matters and to see life make during the crisis” (Interview, Il Mio Papa, in a much greater perspective. We have learned 7 October 2020). I believe that the National to separate what is essential from what is trivial, Shrine will emerge better from this crisis because to do things differently, including how we of the decisions we made to continue to fulfill work, recreate and even how we worship. our ministry in every way possible during the pandemic. Although our Mass schedule and Pre-coronavirus, we were fortunate to have Confession times are reduced, we have done our many of our liturgical celebrations broadcast by best to continue to be a place of spiritual refuge, the Eternal Word Television Network. With the a place of light, in what appeared to be dark days “stay-at-home” orders issued in March 2020, we in the history of our country. embarked on a new “virtual ministry” at Mary’s Shrine. Thanks to the generosity of the Knights The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Columbus and our other benefactors, like 2020, marked the 150th anniversary of the yourself, we have been able to livestream proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Sunday and Holy Day Masses. This ministry Universal Church. On this occasion, Pope Mary’s Shrine v Spring/Summer 2021 Francis declared a “Year of Saint Joseph” stating, the courage to live them in accordance with the the greatness of Saint Joseph is that he was the Gospel” (PC, 3-4). spouse of Mary and the father of Jesus” (Patris Corde, 3). The Holy Father observes, “in every Now that vaccines are being administered, I am situation, Joseph declared his own ‘fiat’ like optimistic that the world and Mary’s Shrine will that of Mary.” “In our own lives,” Pope Francis embark on a bright, hope-filled, “new normal.” writes, “acceptance and welcome can be an As we emerge from the coronavirus, I pray that expression of the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude. this will be a time of rebirth for each of us. I Only the Lord can give us the strength needed encourage that in every situation, with Mary to accept life as it is, with all its contradictions, and Joseph, we daily utter our own “fiat” saying frustrations, and disappointments … not with “yes” to whatever God asks, trusting that God mere resignation, but with hope and courage. will always do what is best for us, as he did for Our lives can be miraculously reborn if we find Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary. ❦ The Year of Saint Joseph Patron of the Universal Church On December 8, 2020, the 150th Anniversary In gratitude to of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron them, the Holy of the Universal Church, Pope Francis Father said, “Saint proclaimed a special Year of Saint Joseph that Joseph reminds will be observed through the Solemnity of the us that those who Immaculate Conception 2021. appear hidden or in the shadows can play an In his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, “With a incomparable role in the history of salvation.” Father’s Heart”, the Holy Father noted that the COVID-19 pandemic increased his desire to Concluding his Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis declare this special year dedicated to Saint Joseph. implored the faithful to join him in the following prayer: “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet, hidden Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. in times of trouble,” said Pope Francis. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; Pope Francis spoke of the “Saint Josephs” of with you Christ became man. today, the “ordinary” men and women – parents, grandparents, caregivers, frontline medical staff, Blessed Joseph, to us too, teachers, storekeepers, supermarket workers, show yourself a father cleaning personnel, transportation workers, and and guide us in the path of life. other essential and public safety workers – who Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, are sustaining humanity in oftentimes overlooked and defend us from every evil. yet extraordinary ways during the pandemic. Amen. ❦ MISSION STATEMENT The 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. ❦ Mary’s Shrine v Spring/Summer 2021 Virtual Vigil for Life 2021 he 42nd Annual National Prayer Vigil for Life was held January 28 - 29, 2021, in the Great Upper Church of the TBasilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s Vigil was primarily a virtual event, livestreamed on the Basilica’s website, YouTube Channel and Facebook Page, and broadcast on EWTN, Catholic TV, Catholic Faith Orsburn CNS photo/Tyler Network, New Evangelization Television, and We Archbishop Joseph Naumann delivers a powerful homily during the Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil. Are One Body Radio. At the Opening Mass of the National Prayer on human life and the sacred dignity of the Vigil for Life, Archbishop Joseph Naumann human person.” of Kansas City in Kansas, Chairman of the After the Opening Mass, a Holy Hour for USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Life followed with a Reflection by Archbishop principal celebrant and homilist, said, “Though Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese of the the Basilica has the maximum crowd permitted Military Services, USA. Holy Hours were then by DC COVID protocols, it is miniscule to the hosted virtually throughout the night and into usual crowd,” but he noted, “I am attempting the morning from various dioceses around the to visualize the hundreds of thousands country. The National Prayer Vigil concluded participating virtually.” where it began, in the Great Upper Church of In a very powerful and personal homily, the Basilica, with the Closing Mass celebrated Archbishop Naumann asked all participating by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, who in the Vigil to join him in a “renewed effort of will serve as the next Chairman of the USCCB prayer and action…working together to seek Committee on Pro-Life Activities.