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May 2, 2024By Dana Villamagna, OSV News
(OSV News) -- While thousands of American families travel to the nation's capital each year to tour historic and contemporary sites of government, Catholic families can also find many places in Washington that showcase our faith's history and that highlight the many contributions great Catholics have made to America.
Start your visit at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in northeast Washington (3900 Harewood Road N.E.; www.jp2shrine.org). Opened in 2011 in the former home of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, the shrine was established by the Knights of Columbus to continue the pope's mission and legacy. Pilgrims can learn about the life of St. John Paul II, from his upbringing in Poland to his 26-year papacy. The shrine offers opportunities for prayer and liturgy, as well as viewing art, cultural events and religious celebrations. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the Shrine a national shrine in 2014.
After visiting the center, walk a short distance past enchanting Marian gardens to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE; www.nationalshrine.com). The size and beauty of the 77,500-square-foot basilica, one of the largest in the world, is breathtaking. Chapels in the basilica represent various cultures throughout the Catholic world. Construction began in the early 1900s and is still in progress. The basilica is located next to The Catholic University of America, a pontifical university in the United States and the only Catholic college founded by U.S. bishops.
Attending Mass in the District of Columbia can be a new cultural experience unto itself. Modern-day Washington boasts a thriving Catholic community. On any given Sunday, one can see the melting pot of America reflected in our very own faith community, with Mass spoken in 22 different languages. Visit the diocesan website, www.adw.org, to find a parish to visit.
Here are a few additional sites you may want to visit on your family's next great American vacation:
-- The Franciscan Monastery: Walk through Roman-replica catacombs and Franciscan gardens. 1400 Quincy St. NE; https://myfranciscan.org.
-- Chaplain's Hill at Arlington National Cemetery: Pay respects to 83 Catholic chaplains from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War at the Catholic Chaplain's Monument, dedicated in 1989. Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia; www.arlingtoncemetery.mil.
-- Georgetown University: Explore the nation's first Catholic University, founded by Jesuits in 1789. Stroll through the charm?ing Georgetown campus and adjacent neighborhood, where many diplomats and politicos live. 37th and O Streets NW.; www.georgetown.edu.
-- St. Matthew's Cathedral: Read the inscription carved into the floor at the site where President John F. Kennedy's cas?ket was placed during his funeral, held at the cathedral Nov. 25, 1963. The cathedral, with magnificent mosaics on the walls and Italian design throughout, is on the National Register of Historic Places. 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW; www.stmatthewscathedral.org.
-- St. Patrick's Catholic Church: Attend Mass at the oldest Catholic Church in the capital, founded in 1794 to minister to the needs of the stonema?sons building the White House and the U.S. Capitol. 619 10th St. NW; www.stpatrickdc.org.
-- St. Augustine Catholic Church: Visit the church known as the Mother Church of African-Americans, founded by freed slaves in 1865. 15th and V Streets NW.