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MARY’S SHRINE
VOLUME 67 NO.2
FALL / WINTER 2006
» RECTOR’S MESSAGE
Mary’s Shrine
Filial Devotion to Our Lady
BY REVEREND MONSIGNOR WALTER R. ROSSI, J.C.L.
O
ne of the great pleasures I experience as
rector of Mary’s Shrine is greeting our pilgrims and visitors after Mass or simply walking
through the Shrine. Inevitably, people will
remark that they receive our literature in the
mail. Since we are not a parish church, this is our
way of staying in contact with you to involve you
in our ministry as well as keep you informed
with what is happening at your National Shrine.
I am happy to know that our mailings are well
received. I am especially grateful for your feedback
and support and am delighted that so many
people feel part of this great Marian sanctuary.
Everyday pilgrims come to the National Shrine.
Each pilgrim brings to the Shrine their own
needs, their own intentions, their own unique
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This
National Shrine has been a source of blessing
for many and our pilgrims are most certainly a
blessing to us. Pilgrims bring the Shrine to life
and help us fulfill our mission of providing a
point of departure along the path that leads to
“deepening conversion, a step forward in the
journey to God with Mary as the model.”
Photo by Paul Haring/CNS
The pride which American Catholics express for
this patronal Church of the United States is shared
by our brothers and sisters throughout the world
who demonstrate the
same filial devotion to
our Lady. This is evidenced by the recent
dedication of the
Oratory of Our Lady of
Ta’ Pinu, the patroness
of Malta; and this fall,
the Oratory of Our
Lady of Camarin, the
patroness of Guam,
and the Chapel of Our
Lady of LaVang, the patroness of Vietnam, will
be dedicated. With origins in different parts of
the world, these chapels demonstrate the timeless
truth that devotion to Our Lady is universal and
assists this National Shrine in reflecting the
multi-cultural face of America.
Another addition to Mary’s Shrine is our soon-tobe-unveiled Redemption Dome. This ornamented
dome of beautiful mosaic art, made possible
through the generosity and great devotion that
American Catholics have for the Shrine, will bring
a new dimension to the Great Upper Church. The
dome will be dedicated in November and featured
in the next edition of Mary’s Shrine.
Shrines hold a significant place in the religious
lives of American Catholics and are a center of
devotion for European Christians. During his
visit this summer to the preeminent Marian
Shrine in Poland, Our Lady of Jasna Gora in
Czestochowa, Pope Benedict XVI invoked Our
Lady as the one who “teaches us how to pray”
and “shows us how to open our minds and our
hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit.”
It is our desire that for Catholics throughout the
United States and beyond, Mary’s Shrine be your
parish away from a home, a center of devotion and
a prayerful sanctuary where visitors and pilgrims
can open their minds and hearts to the power of
the Holy Spirit, and place themselves in Mary’s
maternal care. Even if you are not able to visit the
National Shrine, I encourage you to ask Our Lady
to teach you how to pray and help you place
yourself in God’s hands as she did, so that like
Mary, you will always be God’s faithful servant. ❦
A glimpse of the soon-to-be-unveiled Redemption Dome.
» OUR 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. ❦
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
NATIONAL SHRINE WELCOMES NEW CHAIRMAN
O
Geraldine M. Rohling/National Shrine
n May 16, Pope Benedict XVI named
Bishop Donald W. Wuerl of Pittsburgh to
succeed retiring Archbishop of Washington,
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
As the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception’s Board of Trustees is
chaired by the Archbishop of Washington, a
changing of the guard in the Archdiocese of
Washington also means a changing of the
guard at the National Shrine.
The Shrine enjoyed the special dual role of
honoring and thanking Cardinal Theodore
McCarrick for his exemplary leadership and
service to the Shrine and to the faithful
throughout his tenure as Archbishop of
Washington while welcoming his successor,
His Excellency Donald Wuerl, as new Archbishop
and Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
On His Eminence’s retirement as Archbishop
of Washington, Monsignor Walter Rossi,
Rector of the National Shrine, offered his sincerest appreciation to Cardinal McCarrick
whom the Shrine was blessed to have as
Chairman of its Board of Trustees from the
time of his arrival as Archbishop of
Washington in January 2001.
Monsignor Rossi also expressed his delight in the
naming of The Most Reverend Donald Wuerl
as Washington’s new Archbishop and Chairman
of the Shrine Board. As Bishop of Pittsburgh,
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MARY ’S
SHRINE
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A publication of the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception
Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi
RECTOR
Cover photo by Matthew Barrick
Reverend Andrew J. Fisher
DIRECTOR OF LITURGY
Reverend Joseph T. Holcomb
DIRECTOR OF PILGRIMAGES
Reverend Raymond A. Lebrun, OMI
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Jacquelyn Hayes
EDITOR
New Shrine Chairman with Shrine Priests. Left to right,
Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector; Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl,
Chairman; Father Andrew J. Fisher, Director of Liturgy; and
Father Joseph T. Holcomb, Director of Pilgrimages.
Archbishop Wuerl was a longtime active supporter
of the Shrine, serving as a member of the Board
of Trustees as well as Chairman of its Liturgy and
Music Committee. In addition, the Archbishop
led numerous pilgrimages from the Diocese of
Pittsburgh to the National Shrine.
With the recent arrival of Archbishop Wuerl in
the Archdiocese and with Cardinal McCarrick
remaining in the Washington, D.C. area, the
National Shrine is now doubly blessed with the
close proximity and presence of these two pastoral
servants and leaders. ❦
Location
400 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017-1656
Tel: 202-526-8300
Fax: 202-526-8313
[email protected]
www.nationalshrine.com
Shrine Hours
7 am – 7 pm (April – October)
7 am – 6 pm (November – March)
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 – 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
Monday – Saturday Confessions
7:45 am – 8:15 am
10 am – 12 noon
3:30 pm – 6 pm
Holy Days
Please contact the Basilica for
Holy Day Schedules.
Guided Tours
Monday – Saturday
9 am – 11 am
1 pm – 3 pm
Sunday
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Gift Shop & Bookstore
Open Daily
8:30 am – 7 pm (April – October)
8:30 am – 5 pm (November – March)
Cafeteria
Open Daily
7:30 am – 2 pm
(Sundays until 3 pm)
© 2006 Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception
Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu
New Maltese Oratory Dedicated
N
estled in the Crypt Church of the Basilica
of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception is the newly dedicated Oratory of
Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
Photo by John Whitman
The Oratory of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu features a
beautiful mosaic reproduction of the original oil
painting of the Assumption of Mary, known as
Madonna Ta’ Pinu, that resides in the Basilica of
Ta’ Pinu in Gozo, Malta.
Over 100 pilgrims from Malta and hundreds
of others—priests, individuals, couples and
families—of Maltese descent from throughout
the United States and Canada attended the
Mass and Dedication held on Sunday, May 28.
Among honored guests were the Ambassador
of Malta to the United States, Mr. John Lowell,
and his wife, Marie-Therese.
His Eminence Cardinal Theodore McCarrick,
then Chairman of the National
Shrine’s Board of Trustees and
strong voice for immigrants to
the United States, presided over
the Dedication Mass with
Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo,
Malta, who also served as the
homilist.
Bishop Raymond Boland of
Kansas City – St. Joseph, a
Trustee of the Shrine’s Board,
(Left to right), Monsignor Beneditt Camilleri,
Bishop Mario Grech, Cardinal Theodore
McCarrick, Bishop Raymond Boland, and
Monsignor Walter Rossi stand alongside new
Oratory of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
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Photo by John Whitman
Photo by John Whitman
His Excellency, Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, Malta
delivers homily.
BISHOP MARIO GRECH ON OUR
LADY OF TA’ PINU
Speaking to the overflowing congregation
at the dedication of the new Our Lady
of Ta’ Pinu Oratory at the Basilica of
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick blesses newly dedicated Oratory of
Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Monsignor Beneditt Camilleri, former Rector of the Shrine of Our
Lady of Ta’ Pinu in Gozo, Malta, whose tireless efforts resulted in
Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu Oratory at the National Shrine.
Conception, on May 28, 2006, Bishop
Mario Grech of Gozo, Malta, exclaimed,
Photo by John Whitman
“that today a good representation of
the Maltese nation has gathered at this
Shrine to assist at the dedication of an
icon of the Madonna of Ta’ Pinu…that
throughout these years the local Church
authorities continue to encourage people
to visit the Ta’ Pinu Shrine…that thousands of Maltese and Gozitans continue
concelebrated the Mass along with National
Shrine Rector, Reverend Monsignor Walter
Rossi, and Reverend Monsignor Beneditt
Camilleri, former Rector of the Shrine of Our
Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
Recognizing Monsignor Camilleri’s tireless
efforts to bring the new oratory to fruition since
1999, Monsignor Rossi noted that, “the beautiful
oratory is the result of Monsignor Camilleri’s
devotion to Our Lady, his dedication to the
Maltese people, and his determination that the
patroness of Malta would have a place at this
National Shrine, the United States’ national
tribute to Mary Immaculate.” ❦
to seek spiritual relief at Ta’ Pinu…that
you emigrants have spread devotion
across the globe…that the truth of
Mary’s Assumption was proclaimed a
dogma of faith by Pope Pius XII—all
support the popular conviction that
something spiritually extraordinary had
taken place not only way back in 1883,
but even today!”
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
NEW NUNCIO TO THE UNITED STATES
CELEBRATES MASSES AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE
Photo by John Whitman
H
is Excellency, Archbishop
Pietro Sambi, was named
new Apostolic Nuncio to the
United States by Pope Benedict XVI
on December 17, 2005.
Prior to his posting to the United
States, Archbishop Sambi served
as Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and
Cyprus and as Papal Delegate to
the Palestinian territories.
Assuming his new U.S. post in
February 2006, the National
Shrine was blessed to have
Archbishop Pietro Sambi celebrates the Shrine’s Solemn Easter Vigil.
Archbishop Sambi celebrate a
number of its 2006 Holy Week
Organisations (WUCWO) General Assembly’s
Liturgies. His Excellency celebrated Mass at
Opening Mass held on May 31 and he presided
the National Shrine on April 9, Palm Sunday.
over the Installation of The Most Reverend
He was also Celebrant and Homilist for Holy
Donald W. Wuerl, as Archbishop of Washington
Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper, broadon June 22.
cast live by EWTN, and he presided over the
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday.
As Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Sambi is the
Finally, the Archbishop was Celebrant and
Holy Father’s personal representative to the
Homilist of the National Shrine’s Solemn
Church in the United States as well as the Vatican
Easter Vigil on April 15, also broadcast live
Ambassador to the U.S.
on EWTN.
Since then, Archbishop Sambi has also celebrated other Masses at the Shrine, including
the World Union of Catholic Women’s
We are grateful for his Excellency’s close proximity
and service to our National Shrine, affectionately
known by many as America’s Catholic Church. ❦
» IN MEMORIAM
ARCHBISHOP GABRIEL MONTALVO
Former Nuncio to the United States
Appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the United
States by Pope John Paul II in 1998, Archbishop
Montalvo served our country, our Catholic
Church, and our National Shrine with great
leadership, friendship, and distinction until his
retirement in January 2006.
Born in Colombia in 1930 and ordained a priest
in 1953, he was named Archbishop by Pope
Paul VI in 1974. A career Vatican diplomat,
he worked in Central and South America,
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
Northern Africa and
Eastern Europe, and
served as president
of the Pontifical
Ecclesiastical Academy,
the Vatican’s diplomatic
school, prior to his
seven-year post as
Apostolic Nuncio to
the United States.
On Sunday, September The late Archbishop Gabriel
3, Archbishop Donald Montalvo at the National
Shrine.
W. Wuerl celebrated
the 12 noon Solemn
Mass at the National Shrine as a Month’s Mind
Mass in memory of Archbishop Gabriel
Montalvo. ❦
Photo by Nancy Wiechec/CNS
It is with great sadness that the National Shrine
learned of the passing of Archbishop Gabriel
Montalvo, former Apostolic Nuncio to the
United States, on August 2, 2006 in Rome.
His funeral Mass was held on August 5 in
St. Peter’s Basilica.
Catholic University of America
U.S. Cardinals celebrate Mass at National Shrine for CUA on April 28.
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY CUA’S HISTORIC ROLE
OF AMERICA’S
IN THE CREATION OF
THE NATIONAL SHRINE
CARDINALS MASS
E
ight U.S. Cardinals — Cardinals Dulles,
Egan, Keeler, Mahoney, Maida, McCarrick,
O’Malley, and Rigali— gathered in the Great
Upper Church of the Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the
afternoon of April 28 to celebrate Mass prior
to the 17th American Cardinals Dinner.
The American Cardinals Dinner is an annual
fundraiser for the Catholic University of
America. Each year a different archdiocese hosts
the black-tie event that is preceded by Mass.
This was the first time since 1994 that the dinner and Mass were held in Washington, D.C.
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was the principal
celebrant of the Mass. Catholic University
President, Very Reverend David M. O’Connell,
C.M., was the homilist. ❦
I
n 1910, Bishop Thomas J. Shahan,
Rector of the Catholic University of
America, suggested building a national
shrine to honor Mary. He presented his plan
to Pope Piux X in 1913 and received not
only the Pontiff ’s enthusiastic support, but a
personal contribution as well. The Board of
Trustees of Catholic University designated a
parcel of land for the construction of the
National Shrine. With the support of the
American Catholic Bishops and the entire
nation, the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception was built.
Today, the National Shrine and the Catholic
University of America stand proudly next
to one another in the nation’s capital,
Washington, D.C., and enjoy a collegial
relationship. ❦
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PRIEST MARTYRS OF
MEXICO RELICS VENERATED
T
he relics of six Knights of Columbus Priest
Martyrs of Mexico, canonized by Pope
John Paul II in 2000, were venerated at the
National Shrine the weekend of May 13-14 as
part of a nationwide pilgrimage sponsored by
the Knights of Columbus.
The pilgrimage which began in Mexico City in
September 2005 traveled to cities throughout
Mexico and the United States and concluded in
August 2006 at the 124th Supreme Convention
of the Knights of Columbus in Orlando, Florida.
The saints whose relics graced the Shrine—Fathers
Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Lucero, Miguel de la
Mora de la Mora, Jose Maria Robles Hurtado,
Luis Batiz Sainz,
Rodrigo Aguilar
Aleman, and
Mateo Correa
Magallanes—
were martyred for
their faith by the
Mexican government during the Painting of Priest Martyrs by Martha Orozco
religious persecution in Mexico in the 1920’s and
1930’s. All six priests were Knights of Columbus.
The National Shrine is grateful to the Knights of
Columbus for the unique opportunity of hosting
the reliquary and allowing the visiting faithful to
venerate the relics of these holy Priest Martyrs. ❦
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
Archdiocese for the
Military Services, USA
12th Annual Memorial Day Mass & Pilgrimage
Photo by John Whitman
T
he Archdiocese for the Military
Services (AMS) held its 12th
Annual Memorial Day Mass and
Pilgrimage at the National Shrine
on Sunday, May 21st.
Photo by John Whitman
Preceded by the Sacrament of
Reconciliation and the Recitation
of the Rosary, the Annual
Memorial Day Mass honors the
men and women of the United
States Armed Forces who have
given their lives for our country.
Over 1000 military personnel, Knights of Columbus and others attend AMS USA
Bagpipers greeted the over 1000
attendees of the Annual Pilgrimage Annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage and Mass.
Flanked by 100 Knights of Columbus Honor
and Memorial Mass outside the entrance of the
Basilica, then marched through the Great Upper Guardsmen, the Joint Service Color Guard
“posted the colors” and the National Anthem was
Church. The Choir of the Basilica, under the
direction of Dr. Peter Latona, sang a choral prel- sung by the Shrine’s Choir and the congregation.
ude to the Mass in loving memory of those
Mass began with the formal announcement by
whose lives were lost in service to our country.
the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA,
of the official opening of the cause for beatificaThe Mass was celebrated by AMS Archbishop
Edwin F. O’Brien and was concelebrated by the tion and canonization of Father Vincent Robert
Capodanno, Servant of God.
Auxiliary Bishops of the AMS as well as active
and retired priest chaplains, numbering over 75.
Affectionately known as the Grunt Padre,
Navy Chief of Chaplains, Reverend Louis V.
Father Capodanno, a Maryknoll priest and
Iasiello, O.F.M., was the homilist.
Navy chaplain, was loved and
respected by his fellow servicemen for whom he
risked and ultimately
gave his life. Serving
in Vietnam with the
3rd Battalion, 5th
Marines, he was
killed on September
4, 1967 while aiding
a wounded corpsman.
On January 7, 1969, he
was posthumously awarded
the Congressional Medal The Grunt Padre
of Honor “for conspicuous Father Vincent Capodanno
gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty.”
The Sounding of Taps and the singing of America
the Beautiful followed the Solemn Blessing and
Dismissal and marked the end of the 12th Annual
AMS Memorial Day Mass and Pilgrimage at
the National Shrine.
Welcoming the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
The Mass was broadcast by EWTN on
Monday, May 29th, Memorial Day. ❦
World Union of Catholic
Women’s Organisations
Opening Mass of First U.S. Held General Assembly
Photo by Michael Hoyt
T
he National Shrine was host to
the Opening Mass of the General
Assembly of the World Union of
Catholic Women’s Organisations
(WUCWO) on May 31.
His Excellency, Archbishop Pietro
Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the
United States, celebrated the evening
Mass that was attended by more
than 600 women representing
national Catholic women’s organizations from 41 countries and from
all continents.
Over 600 women representing 41 countries attend the WUCWO Opening Mass.
The international gathering was convened under the theme, “Women as
Peacemakers: United in Faith and Action.”
This was the first time the WUCWO held their
meeting in the United States.
Held every 5 years, the WUCWO assembly
convenes to study social justice issues and to
develop means for promoting the presence,
participation and co-responsibility of Catholic
women in society and in the Church.
The National Council of Catholic Women
(NCCW), among whose contributions to the
National Shrine include Mary’s Garden, sponsored
the international meeting.
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the
NCCW consists of more than 5,000 affiliated
Catholic women’s organizations in parishes
and dioceses throughout the United States and
represents hundreds of thousands of women.
Their mission is to empower and educate all
Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and
service while their programs respond to the
needs of the Church and society in the modern
world with Gospel values. ❦
Photo by Michael Hoyt
Archbishop Sambi distributes Communion to women from all continents of the world at the Opening Mass.
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
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e Archbishop
Wuerl Installed
At Shrine
H
is Excellency The Most Reverend Donald
W. Wuerl was installed as the sixth
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington
on June 22, 2006 by His Excellency The Most
Reverend Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to
the United States.
More than 3000 gathered in the Great Upper
Church of the National Shrine for the Mass
of Installation. Also attending the Mass were
local, state and federal government officials,
foreign ambassadors from nearly two dozen
countries, and religious leaders of other faith
communities.
Processing into the Basilica first were papal,
ecclesiastical and fraternal orders, including The
Knights of St. John, The Knights of St. Peter
Claver, The Knights of St. Jerome, The Knights
of Columbus, The Sacred Military Constantinian
Order of St. George, The Equestrian Order of
the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, The Sovereign
Military Hospitaller Orders of St. John of
Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, and the
Order of St. Gregory.
Photo by Geraldine M. Rohling/National Shrine
The Liturgical Procession followed with
approximately 30 seminarians, 60 deacons,
300 priests, 60 bishops and archbishops, and 9
cardinals, including Cardinals Baum, Dulles,
Egan, Keeler, Mahoney, Maida, McCarrick,
O’Malley and Rigali.
Followed by a greeting from Archbishop Sambi,
and a salutation from Cardinal Theodore
McCarrick, then Apostolic Administrator of the
Archdiocese of Washington, the Mass began
with the Rite of Canonical Possession. This
included the inspection of the Apostolic Mandate
by the College of Consultors and the certification
of the Apostolic Mandate by the Archdiocesan
Chancellor. Archbishop Sambi read the Apostolic
Mandate to then Archbishop-Designate Wuerl
who accepted the Mandate to become the
Archbishop of Washington.
Archbishop Wuerl was then led to the episcopal
throne by Archbishop Sambi and Cardinal
McCarrick where he took his seat as Archbishop
and received the crozier, the shepherd’s staff, the
sign of his pastoral office. Archbishop Wuerl was
greeted with thunderous applause.
The Mass continued with the Liturgy of the
Word with readings in English and Spanish;
Archbishop Wuerl’s homily in which he
Liturgical Procession of 9 cardinals, 60 bishops and archbishops,
and over 300 priests, deacons and seminarians precedes the
Mass of Installation.
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Photo by CNS
Photo by Matthew Barrick
Above: Archbishop Wuerl accepts the crozier, a sign of his pastoral office, from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to
the United States.
Left: Cardinal Theodore McCarrick introduces his successor,
Archbishop Donald Wuerl at Mass of Installation.
commended his “ministry to the intercession
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Church;”
Prayers of the Faithful in 10 languages: Spanish,
Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Tagalog, English,
Igbo, Creole, Portugese, and American Sign
Language; and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Mass ended with the Recessional Hymn, Holy
God, We Praise Thy Name, and gatherers continued
to celebrate the joyous occasion of the installation
with a reception held in Memorial Hall on the
lower level of the Basilica. Archbishop Wuerl
received guests on the bridge joining Memorial
Hall and the Hall of American Saints, in front
of the Shrine’s Papal Exhibit featuring the golden stole of Pope John XXIII worn at the Second
Vatican Ecumenical Council and Pope Paul VI’s
Coronation Tiara. ❦
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
MASS
FOR
PEACE
IN THE
MIDDLE EAST
Photo by Matthew Barrick
A
t the invitation of Monsignor Walter Rossi,
Rector of the National Shrine, Archbishop
Donald Wuerl celebrated the 12 noon Solemn
Mass on Sunday, July 23, as a Mass for Peace in
the Middle East in response to Pope Benedict
XVI’s call for “a special day of prayer and
penance…to implore from God the precious
gift of peace.”
To pray, to be united one with each other, and
to witness to hope is what Archbishop Wuerl
noted that the faithful, nearly 1200 gathered at
the National Shrine, and those around the
nation and world, were contributing to answer
the Holy Father’s call.
Archbishop Wuerl spoke of the power of
God’s grace and the power of prayer to touch
human hearts.
“Our prayers can result in God’s grace, touching
human hearts. If we touch enough hearts, we
can influence enough actions. If enough actions
change, we can change the world in which we
live…that is why we are here—to stand before
God who will always stand with us and
respond to our prayers.” ❦
Shrine Chairman Archbishop Wuerl delivers homily at Mass for Peace.
“PRIEST ON DUTY”
Father Ray Lebrun, Spiritual Director
O
n the ground floor of the Basilica, near
the entrance of the Crypt Church, you
will find an office entitled: “Spiritual Director.”
If you go in, you will meet Father Raymond
Lebrun, OMI. He has held the position for the
past four and a half years, having inherited it
from Father John Leddy, OMI and Father Leo
Ovian, MSA.
Father Lebrun is the only priest of a religious
community working full-time for the Basilica.
His congregation, the Missionary Oblates of
Mary Immaculate (OMI) has long been associated
with the Shrine, providing a daily Mass celebrant
and a daily confessor.
Photo by Matthew Barrick
If you were to ask Father Ray, as he is often
called, to describe his work, he would readily
explain that a more accurate title for his position
would be “priest on duty.”
In addition to celebrating daily Mass and
enjoying the challenge of unfolding the Word
of God in his homilies, Father Ray receives
pilgrims who wish to see a priest for whatever
reason, sometimes spiritual but many times
not. In fact, most of his time is spent reaching
out to the physically poor who find their way
to his door—over 900 people last year alone.
The Basilica provides poor boxes in certain
locations of the Shrine. It is from the funds
collected in these boxes that Father Ray is able
to offer assistance to families and individuals
who are “in a pinch” and are unable to meet all
of their necessary expenses at a given time.
Father Lebrun often coordinates his efforts to
assist those in need with the parish support
program of Catholic Charities.
With a warm smile, a kind word and a helping
hand, no matter what his title—Spiritual Director
or Priest on Duty—Father Ray is a blessing to
all who come to his door. ❦
Shrine Spiritual Director, Father Ray Lebrun.
M A RY ’ S S H R I N E ❖ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 6
from the ShrineShops
CATHOLIC BOOKS
1801
1802
1807
1806
1810
1803
1811
1804
1808
1812
1805
1809
1813
1814
1801 Meet Fulton Sheen An inspiring biography of Archbishop
1809 Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Fulton Sheen. $9.99
A paperback book which contains all the essential and fundamental
elements of the Church’s faith from the Catechism of the Catholic
Church. $14.95
1802 God’s Invisible Hand A paperback book presents
Gerard O’Connell interviewing Francis Cardinal Arinze about
his life and work. $17.95
1803 Advent and Christmas with Padre Pio A compilation
of daily scriptures and prayers along with Padre Pio’s encouraging
words during the time of Advent. $9.95
1804 Silence Transformed into Life A collection of Pope John
Paul II’s writings and words from his final year. $11.95
1805 No Price Too High The inspirational story of Alex Jones, a
Pentecostal preacher who converts to Catholicism. $16.95
1806 Deep Conversion Deep Prayer In Father Thomas
Dubay’s book, he gives solid practical advice for deepening moral
and spiritual conversion and for a radical growth in holiness. $12.95
1807 The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook
This paperback book provides everything one needs for a richer
experience of Advent. Includes morning and evening prayers,
Christmas meditations, a Christmas novena and much more. $13.95
1808 Paul: Least of the Apostles An international
1810 The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood A paperback
book proclaiming the faith perspective on the mystery and the reality
of Priesthood in the Catholic Church. $12.95
1811 Theology of the Body Made Simple This paperback
book is a basic introduction to the premise of the theology of
the body and explains how our bodies are symbolic, free and
redeemed by Christ. $9.95
1812 Catherine Labouré The fascinating and inspiring story of
the French Sister of Charity who became the focus of much popular
religious devotion. $24.95
1813 What It Means to be a Christian A hardback book
where Pope Benedict XVI writes persuasively about living as a
serious Christian in today’s secular world. $15.95
1814 The Virtue Driven Life Father Groeschel reintroduces
the Seven Cardinal Virtues where he makes them meaningful
for modern men and women, and demonstrates how each
virtue has a role in a whole and holy life. $12.95
bestseller where author Alain Decaux presents the biography
and extraordinary story of St. Paul. Includes colorful insert of
Paul’s travels and various paintings of him. $24.95
U S E AT TA C H E D O R D E R FORM OR CALL TOLL- FREE 1- 800-333-4411
from the ShrineShops
CATHOLIC GIFTS
1815/1816
1817
1818
Children’s Books
1830
1819
1821
1820
1833
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
1828
1829
1835
1837
1816 Advent Candles A traditional 4-piece Advent candle box
set. Each candle is individually wrapped. $3.95
1817 Shrine Christmas Ornament A blue glass ornament
imprinted with “The National Shrine Washington, D.C.” and a
graceful depiction of the Nativity in the center. Gift Boxed. $8.95
1818 Nativity Statue A 13” tall colorful resin statue of the Holy
Family at rest. Gift Boxed. $39.95
1819 Nativity Bracelet A dainty bracelet which proclaims
the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through the different beads
and charms. Story Included. Available in sizes 7” and 7.5” and
Gift Boxed. $19.95
1820 Advent Calendar A 13” x 9” advent calendar which folds
open to stand. Features a peaceful scene of the Nativity. $7.95
1834
Booklets
CDs & DVDs
1815 Advent Wreath A decorative 12” round traditional burgundy
rose advent wreath. Candles Included. Gift Boxed. $29.95
1832
1831
1836
1838
1839
1824 Pope John Paul II Tribute Album CD A compilation
of songs in memory of Pope John Paul II featuring renowned
singers such as Kathy Troccoli, The Lennon Sisters, Jose
Feliciano, and many more. $16.95
1825 The Most Holy Rosary DVD This excellent production
brings the rosary to life with over two hundred master artist
depictions shown during each mystery. $24.95
1826 Jesus Decoded DVD An hour-long documentary that
provides accurate information about Jesus, his followers, the
formation of the New Testament, and the important role women
played in his ministry. $24.95
1827 Fatima DVD An EWTN classic documentary narrated by
Ricardo Montalbán in which he describes the true global perspective
to our Blessed Mother’s dramatic appearance to three young
Portuguese children. Includes historical footage, interviews with
eyewitnesses to the miracles, and much more. $24.95
1821 Nativity Wreath A 12” round resin wreath displaying the
Nativity in the center. Gift Boxed. $29.95
1828 Therese DVD A dramatic movie proclaiming the humble
1822 Phil Coulter Christmas Collection CD A relaxing album
of instrumental Christmas Songs by pianist Phil Coulter. $18.95
1829 Toying with the Truth One of the stunning episodes of
1823 Sacred Songs CD All new recordings from the world’s
greatest tenor, Plácido Domingo, featuring traditional hymns such
as Ave Maria and Panis Angelicus. $18.95
life of St. Therese. $25.95
the Kids’ Ten Commandments animated mini-movie series. This
entertaining story will allow children to learn biblical values and
discover the truth of God’s love. $14.95
U S E AT TA C H E D O R D E R FORM OR CALL TOLL- FREE 1- 800-333-4411
1840
1845
1850
1841
1842
1846
1851 / 1852
1843
1844
1848
1847
1853
1854
1849
1855
1856
1830 Saints and Angels A hardback book which tells the stories
1843 White Bead Rosary A dainty rosary made of authentic
about the lives of the most famous saints and angels. Includes
beautiful paintings, outlines of each of the saints’ lives, their
feast days and patronages. $14.95
cloisonné with flowers adorned on its white beads. Made in
Italy. $19.95
1831 Breakthrough Bible This hardcover Bible appeals to
young teenage Catholics by making the Bible easier to read
and understand. Contains full color inserts with interviews and
illustrations, and much more to assist teenagers. $25.95
1832 Saints and Heroes A hardback book where readers will
encounter true stories about saints, as well as fictional tales. $24.95
1833 Play Me a Bible Song A fun board book that contains
12 easy-to-play children’s songs attached with a colorful electric
keyboard to play along. Batteries included. $19.95
1834 My Bedtime Prayer A hardback children’s book telling
an adorable story showing children how to pray and thank God
before bedtime. $12.95
1835 Immaculate Conception Novena A 6” x 4” pocket book
containing the Immaculate Conception Novena along with beautiful images of the Virgin Mary. $2.50
1836 My Complete Rosary Prayer Book A 6” x 4” pocket
book containing instructions on how to pray the rosary, the
mysteries with meditations, the traditional prayers, and colorful
illustrations. $3.95
1837 Marian Devotions A 6” x 4” pocket book containing the
mysteries of the rosaries, traditional prayers, and various novenas
and prayers to Our Lady. $3.95
1838 Eucharistic Reflections An 8.5” x 5.5” paperback book
which contains 50 Eucharistic Reflections. $4.00
1839 Praying with the Universal Church A 4” x 7” pocket
book containing prayers from the Compendium of the Catechism
of the Catholic Church. Includes Latin and English prayers. $4.00
1840 Christmas Cross A 10” colorful and elegant porcelain wall
cross with the Nativity scene on the center. Gift Boxed. $19.95
1841 Shrine Christmas Cards Four assorted Christmas cards
featuring images of the interior of the National Shrine with a
cheerful Christmas message inside. 12 in each box. $16.95
1842 Christmas Ornament A 4.5” uniquely shaped porcelain
Christmas ornament displaying the Nativity on the center. Gift
Boxed. $10.95
——
1844 Nativity Table Runner A 13” x 36.5” hand-woven table
runner displaying a peaceful depiction of the Nativity. $25.95
1845 Nativity Candle Set A set of three 2.5” tall hand painted
votive candles which create a charming scene of the Nativity.
Glass/Paraffin. Gift Boxed. $14.95
1846 Nativity Lace Wall Hanging An elegant white 12” x 24”
lace wall hanging featuring the Nativity in the center, topped with
colored holly. Wire hanger included. $19.95
1847 Miraculous Medal One Decade Rosary A silver, 7”
long, one decade rosary with the miraculous medal as each bead
and the letter M and Mary as the center medallion. $6.95
1848 Glass Nativity Plaque A 6.5” glass plaque displaying the
Holy Family in the center with the surrounding words “For unto
us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Includes stand. Gift
Boxed. $19.95
1849 Papal Crucifix A 2.5” silver papal crucifix with base to
attach on your car’s dashboard. $6.95
1850 Immaculate Conception Framed Picture A 12” x 7”
gracefully gold framed image of the Immaculate Conception. $29.95
1851 Miraculous Medal Car Clip A 2” pewter miraculous
medal car visor clip displaying a colorful image of Mary in the
center. $6.95
1852 Miraculous Medal Key Chain A 2” pewter miraculous
medal key chain featuring a colorful image of Mary in the
center. $6.95
1853 One Decade Rose Rosary A rose scented one decade
rosary in a lovely shaped velvet box featuring the Holy Family
and a hand painted rose inside. $17.95
1854 Crucifix A 10” brown wall crucifix with pewter corpse.
Gift Boxed. $14.95
1855 Our Lady of Grace Statue An 8” beautifully hand painted
statue of Our Lady of Grace with a wood base. Gift Boxed. $12.95
1856 Our Lady Good Counsel Holy Water Font A 6” hanging
wood holy water font exhibiting the image of Our Lady of Good
Counsel in the center surrounded by gold trim. Gift Boxed. $35.95
VISIT US OUR WEBSITE AT WWW . NATIONALSHRINE . COM
——
THE
NATIONAL SHRINE
Washington, DC 20017
400 Michigan Avenue NE
BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE
OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
and going to the Request Prayer section.
to [email protected]. You may also receive enrollments by visiting our website www.nationalshrine.com
To learn more or request enrollments, telephone the National Shrine toll-free at 1-888-721-4004 or send an email
each month. In addition, deceased enrollees are remembered at Mass each day during the month of November.
Those enrolled perpetually are remembered in our daily rosary at the National Shrine and in a Novena of Masses
departed soul as well as provide comfort to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Enrollments are also a thoughtful gift in time of illness. Spiritual enrollments for the deceased benefit the
occasions, such as Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, birthdays or anniversaries.
prayer at the National Shrine, whether for themselves or a loved one. Living enrollments are for special
A Spiritual Enrollment in the Shrine Prayer Guild provides the recipient with a perpetual remembrance in
A GIFT OF REMEMBRANCE FROM
Permit No. 249
Washington, D.C.
PAID
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Nonprofit Org.