MARY’S SHRINE
Volume  No.
fall/winter 
» RECTOR’S MESSAGE
Mary’s
Shrine
By Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, J.C.L.
“Shrines are a source of life and
faith in the universal Church.”
T
hese words, spoken by Pope Benedict XVI
earlier this year to the priests of Rome, are a
wonderful source of encouragement for those of
us who serve at the many shrines throughout the
United States! The Holy Father also commented
that there is an increase in the number of people
making pilgrimages especially to Marian Shrines
where they “learn from Mary and speak
personally with the Lord.”
I am happy to tell you that the words of the
Holy Father ring true for us at Mary’s House.
Over the past several years the number of
pilgrims and pilgrimages has steadily increased.
Thankfully, we have the wonderful support of
many diocesan bishops who lead the faithful of
their dioceses on annual and semi-annual
pilgrimages to Mary’s Shrine. For many, this is
not only an introduction to the National Shrine
but also a springboard for a return visit as an
individual pilgrim. Our best advertisement is
each one of our pilgrims. Like the early
Christians who spread the message of the
Gospel by word of mouth, our pilgrims spread
the word about Mary’s House and inspire
others to make their own pilgrimage.
To speak personally with the Lord is a
requirement for each of us. Many of our
pilgrims turn to Mary in one of the many
chapels which bears her likeness. Through the
example of Mary, they learn to speak personally
with the Lord. As a place of pilgrimage, this
National Shrine is a place of prayer and it is in
being a place of prayer Pope Benedict XVI tells
us, shrines “provide a great service in the
Church today.”
What specifically
is our service?
Aside from being
a sanctuary where
pilgrims come to
invoke our Lady’s
intercession, the
primary ministry
of Mary’s House,
like other shrines
throughout the
world, is to foster
liturgical life
“through the celebration of the Eucharist and
penance” as well as through the word of God
being “carefully proclaimed.” (Code of Canon
Law, 1234 §1) With six Masses and five hours
of confession each day, the National Shrine
endeavors to fulfill this mandate. As we
welcome over 750,000 visitors each year,
Mary’s House seeks to nourish our visitors
through Word and Sacrament, and to help
deepen their relationship with our Lord and
his Blessed Mother.
By the time you read this edition of Mary’s
Shrine, the Knights of Columbus Incarnation
Dome will have been installed and we will be
in the process of removing the scaffolding.
This great work of mosaic art, like the other
artistic renderings of Our Lady and the saints
in the Shrine, supports prayer. In many
respects, liturgical art is a catechetical
instrument which allows the viewer to make
tangible events often read about in the Bible.
After reflecting upon that which is read and
seen, we are able to place ourselves in the event
artistically depicted and then, in prayer, speak
personally with the Lord.
Whether you make a personal pilgrimage
to Mary’s House, participate in our Masses
through the Eternal Word Television
Network or are united with the National
Shrine through the internet, know that we
exist solely to serve you and to assist you in
deepening your relationship with God and
“learning from Mary to speak personally with
the Lord.”
» 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.
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Shepherds From Around the
World Visit National Shrine
A
s the Patronal Church of the United States,
the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception is frequent host to
bishops, archbishops and cardinals from around
our nation and from around the world.
Photo by Matthew Barrick
Cardinal Amigo, Archbishop
of Seville, Spain
Cardinal Amigo, Archbishop of
Seville, Spain, celebrates Mass
in Spanish at the National
Shrine with Cardinal Theodore
McCarrick of Washington.
Carlos Cardinal
Amigo
Vallejo, O.F.M.,
Archbishop of Seville,
Spain, assisted the
Shrine in marking its
fifth year of
celebrating Mass in
Spanish each Sunday
since 2002. Cardinal
Amigo was the
principal celebrant
and homilist for the
Shrine’s regular 1:30
p.m. Sunday Mass in
Spanish in the Crypt
Church on April 29,
Cardinal Zen,
Archbishop
of Hong
Kong, China
Joseph Cardinal
Zen Ze-kuin,
Archbishop of
Cardinal Zen of Hong Kong
Hong Kong,
celebrates Mass in the National
Shrine’s Crypt Church, a day
celebrated Mass in
before privately meeting with
the Crypt Church
President Bush at the White House.
of the National
Shrine on May 30,
2007, the day before he met privately with
President George W. Bush at the White House.
Cardinal Zen visited the United States and
Canada to discuss the state of the Church in
China, the need for religious freedom, and the
pending letter to Catholics of China from Pope
Benedict XVI (since released on June 30, 2007).
During his homily, Cardinal Zen implored the
faithful to pray for an end to the persecution of
the Church in China “for the glorification of
God and peace for our people.”
Claretian Missionaries
Rededicate Chapels
On July 17, 2007, the 40th anniversary
of its original dedication, the Claretian
Chapels of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
and Saint Anthony Mary Claret were
rededicated with a Mass celebrated by
Father Eddie De Leon, C.M.F., Provincial
Superior of the Claretian Missionaries,
fellow Claretian priests and Monsignor
Walter R. Rossi, Shrine Rector.
The Congregation of the Missionary
Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
(C.M.F.) or Claretians as they are known,
funded restoration of the chapels, of which
the Immaculate
Heart of Mary is
the most utilized
Chapel at the
National Shrine.
Monsignor Walter R. Rossi,
Rector, with Father Eddie
De Leon, C.M.F., Provincial
Superior, and Father Mark
Brummel, C.M.F., Provincial
Treasurer, at the
Rededication of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary
and Saint Anthony Mary
Claret Chapels.
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
CNS photo/Paul Haring
Recently, the National Shrine was honored to
receive Carlos Cardinal Amigo Vallejo, O.F.M.,
Archbishop of Seville, Spain, and Joseph
Cardinal Zen Ze-kuin, Archbishop of Hong
Kong, China, among other members of the
Church hierarchy.
2007. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, former
Archbishop of Washington, concelebrated. It was
under Cardinal McCarrick’s leadership as
Chairman of the Shrine’s Board of Trustees that
the weekly celebration of Mass in Spanish began
at the Shrine.
Mary F. Calvert / The Washington Times
Artisans install the new mosaic in the Incarnation Dome of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Knights of Columbus
Incarnation Dome
Installation of Mosaic
By Kaitlynn Riely, Catholic News Service
N
early 100 feet above the marble floor of
the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in Washington, a work
of art is unfolding on a ceiling dome as workers
install a mosaic composed of approximately 2.4
million tiles of colored glass.
Though their work is hidden
from public view by an
elaborate scaffolding structure,
an ascent up an elevator, then
up two sets of staircases,
reveals a partially completed
mosaic, named the Knights of
Columbus Incarnation Dome.
he explained the process that preceded the
installation of the mosaic.
In a shop in Italy, he said, the workers still use
the original tools of the trade—a “martellina,”
or hammer, and a “tagliolo,” a wooden base
with a sharp metal point.
Matteo Randi, an Italian who
now lives in the United States,
has been installing the pieces of
the mosaic with other members
of the Rugo Stone LLC
installation team. As he walked
around the scaffolding structure,
The mosaic was shipped via
Federal Express from Italy to the
United States. The 346 boxes
arrived May 29, and the next
day mosaic installers from Rugo
Stone began the process of
installing the mosaic.
CNS photo/Bob Roller
The dome has been transformed
from plain gray to a jigsaw puzzle
of glass, composed of every
imaginable shade of many colors.
The mosaicist uses the
“martellina” to hit the piece of
glass against the “tagliolo” to
create the desired shape. He then
arranges the tesserae—the pieces
of glass—together to create an
image. The mosaicist attaches
the image to paper that has been
coated with soluble flour glue.
The mosaic is then cut into
smaller sections so it can be
shipped to its destination.
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Matteo Randi and Luciano Bertozzi
look over the design map of a mosaic
of the Incarnation being installed in a
dome of the Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
CNS photo/Bob Roller
Prior to the installation, the dome was
crisscrossed with lines measuring the mosaic’s
exact dimensions to map out the correct position
for each piece. The mosaic was being installed
through what the shrine’s archivist, Geraldine
M. Rohling, called the “reverse mosaic method.”
Trinity and Mary. The Redemption Dome was
dedicated last fall.
The Knights of Columbus donated $1 million to
the Incarnation mosaic creation and installation
process. The total cost of the project will be
approximately $3 million, Msgr. Rossi said.
In 2000, Msgr. Rossi’s predecessor, now-Bishop
Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston,
W.Va., gave different companies and artists
the iconography committee’s original written
descriptions for the domes’ designs. Artist
Leandro Miguel Velasco was chosen to design
the mosaic, under the direction of the Rambusch
and Sons Decorating Co., located in New York.
Francesco Moretto and Alessio Calvani install a section of a mosaic
of the Incarnation in a dome in the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception.
Last November, after Velasco completed his
design, the task of cutting the glass and putting
the pieces together went to Travisanutto Mosaics
of Spilimbergo, Italy.
CNS photo/Bob Roller
The workers coat portions of the dome with
cement, then remove the sections of tesserae
and place them on the dome, with the paper
side facing outward. After allowing a few hours
for the tesserae to firm in the cement, they use
water to remove the paper covering the mosaic
and in doing so unveil a vibrant, colorful design.
Once it is completed, the mosaic will show
images of the Nativity, the Wedding Feast at
Cana, the Transfiguration and the Annunciation.
The mosaic installation represents another step
in completing the vision of the original
founders and architects of the shrine, said its
rector, Msgr. Walter R. Rossi.
“Mosaic is timeless,” commented Msgr. Rossi.
“Mosaic doesn’t fade.” Mosaics already adorn
many of the shrine’s walls and ceilings.
Geraldine M. Rohling/National Shrine
The idea for the Incarnation Dome dates back
to the 1950s, when the shrine’s iconography
committee planned the artwork for the
building, Msgr. Rossi said. The members of
this committee planned for three domes to be
decorated with mosaic art—with the themes of
the Redemption, the Incarnation, and the
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Shrine Rector, Monsignor
Walter R. Rossi, preview the newly installed dome mosaic.
Francesco Moretto and Alessio Calvani measure a section of a
dome where a mosaic of the Incarnation is being installed in the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“It’s a time-consuming and tedious job which I
wouldn’t want,” Msgr. Rossi said. “You need
great patience.”
In the factory, about five people worked on the
more difficult parts of the project—like the
faces and bodies of the people in the scenes. The
more generic work, like the background, was
done by people at another shop, he said. The
most difficult part of the mosaic process, Msgr.
Rossi said, seemed to be making sure men
looked like men and women looked like women.
“You want to make them as real as possible, not
cartoons,” he said.
In November, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl
of Washington will preside at a Mass to
dedicate the dome. Msgr. Rossi hopes,
tentatively, that the third dome will be
completed in 2009.
© 2007 Catholic News Services
www.CatholicNews.com
Reprinted with permission from CNS
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Celebrates Bicentennial
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
C
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
elebrating 200 years
since its founding, the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
began its bicentennial
jubilee with its first official
event—a pilgrimage to the
Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception on Saturday,
April 28, 2007, the
Memorial of Saint Louis de
Montfort.
The day-long pilgrimage,
attended by an estimated
2,500 pilgrims from
Philadelphia (most of
whom traveled to the
Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, crowns the Blessed Virgin Mary.
National Shrine from their
parishes by chartered buses)
featured a Bicentennial
Reflecting on the Jubilee, Cardinal Rigali
Presentation, Rite of Reconciliation, Tours of
recalled the words that began his Episcopal
the Basilica, Procession and Crowning of the
ministry with the Archdiocese in 2003:
Blessed Virgin Mary, Re-Consecration to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary, a Concert of Sacred “In this new moment in the life of this
Music and Celebration of the Eucharist.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we set our hope on
the living God, on His Son Jesus Christ and on
the power of the Holy Spirit. We humbly pray:
‘Jesus, we trust in you!’ And we confidently
invoke Mary, His mother and ours, under her
title of the Immaculate Conception.
Bicentennial banner flanked by banners of St. John Neumann and
St. Katharine Drexel displayed during bicentennial presentation.
During the Pilgrimage Mass, Cardinal Rigali
stated in his homily, “In this, the Bicentennial
Year of the establishment of Philadelphia as a
Diocese by Pope Pius VII, it is most fitting that
we come on this pilgrimage to this magnificent
basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the
Immaculate Conception, is the Principal
Patroness of our Archdiocese, as she is of our
Nation. Here in her shrine, I humbly entrust
our jubilee celebrations, endeavors and hopes to
her Immaculate Heart.”
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of
Philadelphia, led the pilgrimage. He was joined
by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, former
Archbishop of Philadelphia, auxiliary bishops,
priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters,
seminarians, and the faithful from the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
“Finally, permit me, as your Archbishop, to
entrust you all to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary in the pastoral act which I ask you to
ratify personally in consecrating [once again]
your own lives to her, and through her, to her
beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who with
the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Over 2,500 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrated
their Bicentennial with a pilgrimage to the National Shrine.
10th Annual National
Filipino Pilgrimage
In Honor of Our Lady of Peace & Good Voyage
Photo by Uldarico Santisteban
O
n June 23, 2007,
over 2,000 Filipinos
from around the United
States and the Philippines
gathered for the 10th
Annual National Filipino
Pilgrimage to celebrate the
10th Anniversary of the
dedication of the Oratory
of Our Lady of Peace and
Good Voyage (also known
as Our Lady of Antipolo in
English and Ang Mahal na
Birhen ng Antipolo in
Tagalog) at the Basilica of
the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception.
The pilgrimage included a
Novena; Carillon Concert;
Sacrament of Reconciliation;
Serenata, Rosary, and Image
Procession; Liturgical Dance;
Eucharistic Celebration;
and, a Procession to the
Oratory of Lady of Antipolo
in the National Shrine’s
Crypt Church.
Monsignor Walter R.
Rossi, Rector of the
Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector, welcomes Cardinal Rosales of Manila for the 10th Annual
National Shrine, noted,
National Filipino Pilgrimage to the National Shrine.
“Since its dedication in
1997, the Oratory of Our
Lady of Antipolo has been a central place in the “Mary points to us the path of true and lasting
happiness—Jesus, to follow Him, to serve Him
Crypt Church receiving pilgrims of Filipino
and to love Him. And this is our mission,
descent and those who visit from the
especially for you—to nourish in your hearts
Philippines. Through the monthly Mass and
and to witness through your lives the values and
novena, the annual pilgrimage and those who
virtues of a Catholic Filipino while being away
simply visit the Shrine during the week,
from your homeland.
devotion to Our Lady of Antipolo remains a
vibrant component of Filipino spirituality.”
“On this occasion, I take the opportunity to
encourage you in your good works. Constantly
In his message to Filipino pilgrims on the 10th
work for unity among yourselves; concentrate
Anniversary of the dedication, His Eminence,
on the good traits of being Filipino, our being
Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of
prayerful, kind, hospitable, generous and
Manila and celebrant and homilist of the
compassionate.
Pilgrimage Mass, remarked:
“The enshrinement of the image of Our Lady
of Peace and Good Voyage in this sacred
ground is a strong expression of our deep faith
in God and our strong devotion to the Blessed
Virgin Mary whom we relate to as our mother.
“Through the intercession of Our Lady of
Antipolo, may He continue to pour out His
graces and blessings, so that all may experience
His boundless love and peace, through many
more years to come.”
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Tekakwitha Conference
Mass at National Shrine
By Jacob Buckenmeyer, Catholic News Service
CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec
and a Mohawk father in 1656 in upstate New
York along the Hudson River, and was baptized
by a Jesuit missionary in 1676 when she was 20.
She was devoted to prayer and cared for the
sick. She died in 1680 at the age of 24. In
June 1980, she became the first Native
American to be beatified.
The Mass included traditional American Indian
music with drums and chants. The penitential
rite was accompanied by a smudging ceremony
where clippings of sage, cedar, sweetgrass and
tobacco were burned for purification and healing.
Along with bread and wine, the presentation
of the gifts included corn, beans and squash,
which are traditional American Indian foods.
Archbishop Chaput, who has headed the
Denver Archdiocese since 1997, is a member of
the Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe and the first
American Indian archbishop in U.S. history.
Deacon Art Morsaw and Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver
on the altar during the Tekakwitha Conference Mass at the
National Shrine.
“We gather to share in our Catholic faith and
our commitment to be good Catholics after the
fashion of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha,” he said
in an interview with Catholic News Service.
A
Native Americans came from as far as New
Mexico and Alaska to take part in the conference.
rchbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver
urged those gathered at the Tekakwitha
Conference Mass June 30, 2007 in Washington
to follow in the footsteps of Blessed Kateri
Tekakwitha and follow Jesus Christ as she did.
More than 700 American
Indian Catholics gathered at the
Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception
for the Mass and the closing of
the 68th Annual Tekakwitha
Conference, held in the
Baltimore Archdiocese.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha,
for whom the conference is
named, was a member of the
Mohawk tribe. She was born to
a Christian Algonquin mother
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec
“In many Catholic circles today, we speak a
great deal about inculturation in the church:
the place where the good news of Jesus and
our cultures meet,” said the
archbishop in his homily.
“The only true, authentic
inculturators are not theologians,
or bishops, but the saints.”
Sister Kateri Mitchell, a Sister of Saint Anne
from Great Falls, Mont., who is in her ninth
year as the conference’s executive director, said
the diverse backgrounds of the many tribes
represented at the conference testifies to God’s
generosity and the need for
people of different traditions to
work together to deepen their
relationship with God.
Over 700 Catholics of Native
American Indian ancestry attend
the Tekakwitha Conference Mass,
including some from as far away
as Alaska.
“We bring the richness of God’s
gifts He’s shared with cultures;
we share that with each other,
and the church has brought
Christ as our center,” she said.
Before and after the Mass,
people met and mingled
throughout the National Shrine,
some reuniting with friends they
see only once each year at the
conference.
Copyright © 2007 Catholic News
Service www.CatholicNews.com
Reprinted with permission from CNS
Centennial and Sesquicentennial
Remembrances
James J. Norris & Bishop Thomas J. Shahan
By Geraldine M. Rohling, Ph.D., M.A.Ed., Archivist
Centennial of the Birth of
James J. Norris
I
Archives/National Shrine
The life of James J. Norris was not one of
coincidences, but of one who followed the
“sweet impulses” of a divine rhythm. How else
can one account for the many lives that he
touched: Fr. Thomas A. Judge, Dorothy Day,
Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle, Mother Teresa of
Calcutta, Pius XII, and Monsignor Montini/
Paul VI.
The efforts of Mr. Norris on behalf of the poor
and dispossessed of the world are many. He is
most remembered as the first member of the
laity in the history of the Church to address the
Council fathers at Vatican II on poverty and the
Christian conscience (November 5, 1965),
proposing a papal commission on social justice
and peace (Justitia et Pax and Cor Unum). Mr.
Norris also administered a program of relief,
welfare and rehabilitation among the displaced
persons of seventy-four countries of Europe,
Africa, Asia, and Latin America and organized
programs for the resettlement of 300,000 refugees.
Upon his death, Mr. Norris’s body was brought
to the National Shrine’s Immaculate Heart of
Mary Chapel for a prayer service. At his behest,
he was then buried within view of the National
Shrine at St. Mary’s Cemetery, located at 2121
Lincoln Road, NE, Washington, D.C.
Sesquicentennial of the Birth
of Bishop Thomas J. Shahan
September 11,
2007 is the
150th anniversary
of the birth of
the National
Shrine’s founder,
Bishop Thomas
J. Shahan, the
fourth rector of
The Catholic
University of
America (1909–
1928). The
visionary and
promoter of the
National Shrine Shrine Founder, Bishop Thomas J.
in its early
Shahan, with Monsignor Bernard A.
stages, it was
McKenna, First Shrine Director, at the
blessing of the site of the National
Bishop Shahan
Shrine in 1928.
who suggested
building a
national shrine to honor Mary, comparable to
the great sanctuaries of Europe. In 1913, he
presented his plan to Pope Pius X (1903–1914)
and received not only the enthusiastic support
of the Pontiff, but also
a personal contribution.
Bishop Shahan remained actively involved in
the construction of the Shrine until his death
on March 9, 1932. The only person buried in
the Shrine, the body of Bishop Shahan rests in
what is known as the Founder’s Chapel.
Note: In honor of these two men, artifacts
and memorabilia will be displayed in the
National Shrine’s Memorial Hall through
December 2007.
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Archives/National Shrine
n the area
known as
the Hall of
American
Saints on the
Crypt Level of
the National
Shrine, there is
a bronze bust,
which visitors
often mistake for
John F. Kennedy.
True, the sculptor
of this bronze
work, Miss
James J. Norris is greeted by Pope
Jimilu Mason
Paul VI at the Vatican in 1975.
of Virginia, also
sculpted the JFK
head displayed in the Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts and the quote incised on the
pedestal is similar in fervor—including the
“torch” metaphor—to that of JFK. The bust,
however, is that of James J. Norris (1907-1976)
who was a member of the National Shrine’s
Board of Trustees (1968-1976). The quote is
from Norris’s acceptance speech for the prestigious
Nansen Medal (1975) awarded by the U.N. in
recognition of “outstanding services rendered to
the cause of refugees and displaced persons.”
August 10, 2007 marked the centennial of
the birth of Jim Norris, whose vision was
responsible in part for the Bishops’ Pastoral:
Behold Your Mother: Woman of Faith, which
resulted in the Marian catechesis program.
Warm Welcomes and Fond Farewells
Father Michael D. Weston, New Director of Liturgy
O
n June 25, 2007, the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception welcomed Father Michael D.
Weston as its new Director of Liturgy.
A priest of the Arlington Diocese, Father
Weston was assigned to the National Shrine
by Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington. The
Arlington Diocese has been generous in
providing priests for special assignment to
serve outside of the diocese
in the Director of Liturgy
post at the National Shrine
for 17 years.
Monsignor Walter R.
Rossi, Rector, states, “I am
delighted to have Father
Weston join our staff.
Father is no stranger to the
Shrine having been
assigned here as a
seminarian in 1999. His
first weeks have proven
Father Weston replaced Father Andrew J.
Fisher, also a priest of the Arlington Diocese
who served as Director of Liturgy at the Shrine
for 6 years. Father Fisher
was assigned back to the
Arlington Diocese as
Parochial Vicar at Queen
of Apostles Parish in
Alexandria, Virginia.
In expressing his
appreciation of Father
Fisher’s service,
Monsignor Rossi stated,
“Father Fisher was an
excellent Master of
Ceremonies and
executed our liturgies
with quiet perfection.
His new parishioners at
Queen of Apostles are
blessed to have a
dedicated priest and
everyone at Mary’s Shrine
Father Michael D. Weston is welcomed by Monsignor
Walter R. Rossi, Shrine Rector.
wishes him well.”
Photo by Matthew Barrick
Regarding his new
assignment, Father Weston
expresses that “it is a
special honor, privilege and
personal joy for me to be
at the Basilica.”
that time has not altered his gentle personality
and kind demeanor. I am confident that he will
be a nice addition to our staff, a wonderful
support to our pilgrims and continue our
tradition of prayerful, dignified Liturgies at
Mary’s House.”
Dr. Robert Grogan Retires
A
Geraldine M. Rohling/National Shrine
organists who played as guests at the Shrine—
fter over 40 years of service to the National
to Right: and
Supreme Knight
Carl A. them:
Anderson,Maurice
Archbishopand Marie-Madeleine
among
Shrine, Dr. Robert Grogan, Left
Organist
Donald W. Wuerl and Monsignor Walter R. Rossi.
Durufle, Jean Langlais, Olivier Messiaen,
Carilloneur at the National Shrine,
has retired.
and others.
With Bachelors and Masters Degrees in
Dr. Grogan will remain as Organist Emeritus
Music (Organ) from the University of Kansas,
and continue as Shrine Carilloneur.
and a DMA in Organ from The Catholic
University of America, Dr. Grogan began his
In congratulating and thanking Dr. Grogan for
career at the Shrine as Carilloneur in 1964. In
his exemplary service to the Shrine, Monsignor
1967 he added Associate Organist to those
Walter R. Rossi,
duties and in 1976 became Principal Organist.
Rector, announced
He was the first and has been the only
that Dr. Grogan has
Carilloneur at the National Shrine, except for the
been awarded
occasional guest.
Knighthood in the
Papal Order of St.
Among his greatest memories are playing the
Gregory the Great,
carillon at the wedding of Luci Johnson, the
one of the highest
daughter of President and Lady Bird Johnson,
honors that a
in 1966; playing the organ during Pope John
Dr. Peter Latona, Director of
Catholic layperson
Paul II’s visit to the National Shrine in 1979,
Music, bids farewell to Dr. Robert
Grogan and Richard K. Fitzgerald.
can receive.
and having the privilege of befriending famous
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Shrine Welcomes New Director of Visitor Services
S
Geraldine M. Rohling/National Shrine
ister Teresa Mary Kozlovski, RSM,
replaces Sister Mary Dolora
Keating, RSM, as Director of Visitor
Services at the Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Under the Shrine’s Pilgrimage
Department, Visitor Services facilitates
the scheduling of visiting groups, tours,
special events and Masses, and the
Shrine’s volunteer docent program.
Sister Mary Dolora, who served as the
National Shrine’s Director of Visitor
Services for over 5 years, was assigned
to the Apostolic Nunciature, the
Vatican’s Embassy to the United States,
in Washington, D.C. in July 2007.
New Director Sister Teresa Mary Kozlovski, RSM, with Sister Mary Dolora
Keating, RSM, Former Director.
Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica,
expressed his sincere gratitude for Sister Dolora’s
steadfast service to pilgrims, tourists and guides
under her care and especially lauded the spiritual
dimension she added to the docent program.
Of her time at the National Shrine, Sister Dolora
says, “I thank God for the privilege and gift of
having worked for 5 years at this magnificent
Basilica dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God!”
novitiate. This is her first assignment as a religious.
Sister Teresa Mary entered postulancy in
September 2005 and was received into the
novitiate in September 2006. Sister Teresa Mary
expresses her thanks for the kind welcome she
has received at the Shrine and of her position
says, “I feel very blessed to be able to serve in
the Presence of our Lord with our Lady leading
us ever closer to Him.”
Both sisters are Religious Sisters of Mercy of
Alma, Michigan.
Sister Teresa Mary Kozlovski, RSM, assumed
her new duties as Director of Visitor Services in
September 2007 having just completed her
The Shrine is grateful to the Alma Mercy Sisters
for their continued generosity in providing such
wonderful service to the National Shrine.
Richard K. Fitzgerald
Pursues Further Studies
Mr. Sañez comes to the National Shrine with
impressive credentials. A 2003 graduate of
Boston College with a BA in Music, he was a
Fulbright Fellow and studied under Organist
Ullrich Boehme, a noted Bach scholar, at St.
Thomas Church in Liepzig, Germany from
2003-2004. He then attended world-renowned
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music on full
scholarship from 2004-2006 where he received
a Master of Music in Historical Performance.
R
New Assistant Director
of Music Arrives
Welcome Daniel B. Sañez
D
aniel B. Sañez arrived at the Basilica of
the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in July 2007, assuming the position
of Assistant Director of Music.
Dr. Peter Latona,
the National Shrine’s
Director of Music,
stated, “Daniel’s
experience in the
Catholic Church,
formal education
and studies abroad
make him an ideal
and valuable addition
to the Shrine’s
music department.”
Photo by Matthew Barrick
ichard K. Fitzgerald, who served as
Assistant Director of Music from August
2003 to July 2007, is now pursuing a Master
of Music degree in Organ Performance at the
prestigious Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins
University in Baltimore, Maryland. Continuing
to reside in Washington, D.C., Mr. Fitzgerald
will serve as an assisting organist at the National
Shrine as needed and as his studies allow.
Daniel B. Sañez, New
Assistant Director of Music.
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall/Winter 
Leaving a Legacy
Remembering the National Shrine in Your Will
W
hen preparing, amending or adding a
codicil to your Last Will and Testament,
please consider remembering the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Charitable bequests of a specific dollar
amount, a percentage of your estate, or
specific assets such as stock securities or real
estate are meaningful ways to remember the
National Shrine and leave a personal legacy.
A bequest to the Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is fully
deductible for federal estate tax purposes and
there is no limit on the amount of the bequest
you may make or deduction you may take.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception was built
and continues to be sustained by the
beneficence of individuals like you.
As the Patronal Church of the United States
and a designated church of prayer and pilgrimage,
the National Shrine receives visitors from
around the country and around the world.
However, it is not a parish church and therefore
does not have parishioners for support. Nor is
the Shrine a part of any diocese or archdiocese.
❖❖❖❖❖
MARY ’S
SHRINE
❖❖❖❖❖
A publication of the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception
Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi
RECTOR
Cover photo by Mathew Barrick
Reverend Michael D. Weston
DIRECTOR OF LITURGY
Reverend Joseph T. Holcomb
DIRECTOR OF PILGRIMAGES
Reverend Raymond A. Lebrun, O.M.I.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Jacquelyn Hayes
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDITOR
Mary’s Shrine ❖ Fall / Winter 
Though under the auspices of the United
States Catholic Conference of Bishops, the
National Shrine does not receive funding
from the USCCB either. So, the National
Shrine relies solely on the generosity of
benefactors who hold a special place for Mary’s
Shrine in their hearts.
To remember the Basilica of the National
Shrine in your will, you may contact your
attorney regarding bequest options and for
assistance in making a bequest. Or, you may
simply include the following in your will:
I give, devise, and bequeath to the Basilica
of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception, a body corporate of the District
of Columbia, and located in Washington, D.C.,
(the sum of _____) or (__ % of rest residue,
and remainder of my estate) or (__ shares of
_____) or all my right, title and interest in
the following described property _____).
Please feel free to contact the National
Shrine at 202-526-8300 if we can provide
you with further information or assistance.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration
and continued support of Mary’s Shrine.
Location
400 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017-1656
Tel: 202-526-8300
Fax: 202-526-8313
[email protected]
www.nationalshrine.com
Monday – Saturday Confessions
7:45 am – 8:15 am
10 am – 12 noon
3:30 pm – 6 pm
Shrine Hours
7 am – 7 pm (April – October)
7 am – 6 pm (November – March)
Sunday Masses
5:15 pm (Saturday Vigil)
7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am
12 noon (Solemn Mass with Choir)
1:30 pm (Spanish Mass)
4:30 pm
Sunday Confessions
10 am – 12 noon
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm (Spanish)
2 pm – 4 pm
Monday-Saturday Masses
7 am, 7:30 am, 8 am, 8:30 am
12:10 pm, 5:15 pm
Holy Days
Please contact the Basilica for
Holy Day Schedules.
Guided Tours
Monday – Saturday
9 am – 11 am
1 pm – 3 pm
Sunday
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Gift Shop & Book Store
Open Daily
8:30 am – 6 pm (April - October)
8:30 am – 7 pm (November - March)
Cafeteria
Open Daily
7:30 am – 2 pm
(Sundays until 3 pm)
© 2007 Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception
© 2006 Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception
from the ShrineShops
CATHOLIC BOOKS
1601 St. Monica Using extensive
excerpts from the writings of her son,
St. Augustine, Giovanni Falbo presents a
beloved story of St. Monica and her
enduring patience, sweetness, and
determination as a mother. $14.95
——
1602 Behold Your Mother Nine
esteemed priests, including the Rector of
the National Shrine, Monsignor Walter R.
Rossi, assemble reflections on how their
devotion to the Blessed Mother has
supported their life and ministry. $14.95
1603 The Catholic Companion to Mary
This book presents what the Catholic
Church believes about Mary through
research, theological studies, and the
experience Catholics have revealed about
her. Readers will be drawn to a stronger
relationship with the Blessed Virgin. $9.95
1604 Go in Peace EWTN’s own Fr. Mitch
Pacwa writes a guide on the purpose
and power of confession including 101
questions and answers, the rite of
penance and much more. $11.99
1605 Come Be My Light A new
collection of Mother Teresa’s private
writings and reflections, most of which
have never been made public. A moving
chronicle of her spiritual journey, including
her darkest moments in desolation. $22.95
1606 Jesus of Nazareth In Pope
Benedict XVI’s acclaimed and bestselling book, he seeks to salvage the
person of Jesus from recent popular
depictions and restore Jesus’ true
identity through the Gospels. $24.95
1607 Mother Angelica’s Little Book of
Life Lessons & Everyday Spirituality
EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo’s
beautiful collection of Mother Angelica’s
spirituality and teachings on family
difficulties, prayer, pain, following God’s
inspiration and much more. $16.95
1608 The Apostles In this fascinating
and inspirational journey with the chosen
disciples of Jesus, Pope Benedict XVI
demonstrates a profound, unbreakable
continuity—built upon the foundation of
the Apostles and alive in the succession
of the Apostles—by which Christ is
present today in His church. A great
follow-up to Jesus of Nazareth. $14.95
1609 Visions of Mary A beautiful book
by Barbara Calamari & Sandra DiPasqua
which explores the Blessed Virgin’s
many visionary appearances throughout
history and their significance. $24.95
1610 Reasons to Believe In his latest
book, best-selling author Scott Hahn
unravels the mysteries, corrects
misunderstandings, and offers
straightforward responses to common
objections about the Catholic faith. $21.95
1611 Let Me Go to the Father’s
House Pope John Paul II’s private
secretary, physician and others nearest
to him during his last days share
memories of that precious time in a story
of courage, gratitude, and love. $18.95
1612 Questions and Answers About
Your Journey to God Discover the
path God has intended for us with the
guidance of Father Benedict Groeschel
who shares answers to spiritual
questions to help you on your journey
to God. $12.95
1613 Left to Tell The triumphant story
of Immaculee Ilibagiza’s journey through
the darkness of genocide in Rwanda will
inspire anyone whose life has been
touched by fear, suffering, and loss. $14.95
1614 Old Errors and New Labels
Written in 1931 by Archbishop Fulton J.
Sheen, this timeless gem seeks to judge
contemporary ideas in the field of
morals, religion, science, evolution,
sociology, psychology, and humanism in
light of “common sense.” $14.95
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW . NATIONALSHRINE . COM
——
from the ShrineShops
CATHOLIC GIFTS
CDs
1615 Josh
Groban
Awake CD
Music
sensation
Josh Groban’s third and
newest recording featuring
inspirational, classical, and
pop songs. $18.95
1616 The
Essential
Placido
Domingo
CD A two
1618 With
Peace and
Joy CD
1617 50
Most Loved
Hymns CD
disc set of classical and modern
songs by the world’s most
beloved tenor. $24.95
A 2-CD
compilation
of 50 most loved hymns
recorded by various artists
including the London
Philharmonic Choir & the
National Philharmonic
Orchestra. $21.95
The latest
Christmas
album from the National Shrine
Choir, conducted by Peter
Latona. $14.95
DVDs
1620 Saint
John Bosco
DVD An epic
1619 St. Rita
DVD A
powerful film
about St. Rita
of Cascia who
lived through
great love, betrayal, tragedy,
strong faith, and forgiveness. In
Italian with English or Spanish
titles or English dubbed. $24.95
movie filmed
in Italy about
the life of Don
Bosco. In Italian with English or
Spanish titles or English
dubbed. $24.95
1621 The
Immemorial
Tridentine
Mass DVD
Archbishop
Fulton Sheen
narrates and explains the
beauty and richness of the
traditional Latin Mass. $14.95
1622
Becket DVD
This epic film
starring Peter
O’Toole
depicts the
historical account of King
Henry II and his loving
friendship with St. Thomas
Becket. $24.95
Children’s Books
1623 Living the 10
Commandments for
Children Children can
learn the 10
commandments
through positive, real
world examples and
vibrant illustrations
including Scripture for
families to learn and
reinforce the spiritual
life together. $6.95
1624 The Year and
Our Children Mary
1625 Prayer Path
Board Game An
Reed Newland’s classic
book of prayers, crafts,
family activities,
litanies, & recipes that
will help children learn
about the beauty of
Advent and the rest of
the Church calendar.
educational trivia game
for the family based on
the rosary and the life
of Mary and Jesus.
The family will have a
religious and exciting
experience. Easy to
learn and fun to play!
Ages 3 & up. $39.95
$19.95
1628 Make It and
Pray It A rosary kit
1629 The Mystery
of Harry Potter
designed to inspire
young Catholics to seek
a deeper relationship
with God by focusing on
distinct prayers of the
rosary and creating
their own personal
rosary. Contains beads
and thread to create a
rosary. $10.00
Author Nancy
Carpentier Brown
presents research and
analysis of the Potter
series to help decide if
the series is right for
Catholic kids to read.
$12.95
1630 Pure Faith A
unique prayer guide
designed exclusively for
teenagers, packed with
spiritual wisdom and
advice, as well as
prayers for a variety of
needs, circumstances,
and individuals. Teens
will learn how to use
prayer to overcome the
challenges they face.
$12.95
1626 Joseph from
Germany The Life of
Pope Benedict XVI for
Children This colorfully
illustrated biography takes
young readers on a journey
through Joseph Ratzinger’s
childhood in Bavaria through
his election as Pope Benedict
XVI in 2005. Kids will identify
with the adventures and
challenges that molded this
pope. $8.95
1631 10 More Good
Reasons to be a
Catholic With a reader
friendly and humorous
approach, this book
gives young Catholics a
deeper appreciation for
their faith and offers
understanding and
encouragement in
dealing with faith
related doubts and
setbacks. $4.95
1627 Thank
You, Dear God!
A chunky board
book with charming
illustrations and
joyous prayers for
young children.
$11.95
1632 Saints of the
Americas Young
Catholics can now learn
more about the saints
of North, South, &
Central America through
this easy to read book.
$5.95
USE ATTACHED ORDER FORM OR CALL TOLL- FREE 1-800-333-4411
from the ShrineShops
CATHOLIC GIFTS
1639 Cross Necklace A
1633 Papal Cross A 5”
hanging pewter Papal cross.
Gift boxed. $9.95
sterling silver cross pendant
with 18” silver chain. Gift
boxed. $9.95
1650 Advent Calendar
1645 Rosary A blue 6mm
Romagna Cloisonné rosary.
Made in Italy. Gift boxed.
$19.95
A 13” x 9” Advent calendar
that folds open to stand.
Features a peaceful scene of
the Nativity. $7.95
1640 Crystal Nativity A
1634 Our Lady of
Lourdes Rosary A crystal
1.5” Nativity made of genuine
Swarovski Crystal. Gift boxed.
Made in Italy. $29.95
bead Our Lady of Lourdes
chaplet rosary with Our
Lady of Lourdes prayer
card. Gift boxed. $19.95
1651 Advent Wreath A
decorative 12” round burgundy
rose Advent wreath. Candles
included. Gift boxed. $29.95
1646 Christmas Madonna
1652 Advent Candles
An 8” porcelain praying
Madonna with holly and
gold trim. Gift boxed. $6.95
Traditional 4-piece Advent
candle box set. Each candle is
individually wrapped. $3.95
1641 Hail Mary Chaplet A
1635 Rosary Book with
Rosary An easy to read
one decade rosary with glass
“Hail Mary” letter beads.
Includes prayer card with
mysteries of the rosary. $7.50
booklet on how to pray the
rosary. Includes all of the
mysteries, laminated button
case, and blue rosary. $10.95
1647 Miraculous Medal
A 1” sterling silver
miraculous medal with 18”
chain. Gift boxed. $19.95
1653 Crucifix An 8” wood
tone crucifix with hand
painted resin corpus. Gift
boxed. $11.95
1642 Shrine Ornament A
1636 Christmas Lapel
Pin A petite genuine Austrian
crystal cross lapel pin $8.95
blue glass ornament engraved
with “The National Shrine
Washington D.C.” surrounded
by the Nativity scene. Gift
boxed. $8.95
1648 Our Lady of Grace
Magnet A 3” 3D poly resin
Our Lady of Grace magnet.
1637 Wooden Nativity
A 4” Nativity scene made
of genuine Bethlehem
Olive Wood. Made in the
Holy Land. $8.95
1643 Nativity Wall
Hanging A 26” x 36” woven
$4.95
wall hanging depicting the
Nativity and the words “A
Child is Born.” $49.95
1654 Nativity Ornament
A 4” round wood ornament
depicting a painting of the
Nativity in the center surrounded by gold leaf. Gift
boxed. Made in Italy. $29.95
1649 Christmas Cards
1638 Wood Madonna
Bracelet A brown wood,
stretch bracelet with various
colored images of the
Madonna on each bead.
Made in Brazil. $4.95
1644 Christmas Angel A
10” Faux wood carved resin
praying Christmas angel with
the Nativity. Gift boxed. $19.95
5”x7” Christmas cards
depicting the Madonna and
Child on front and a warm
Christmas message inside.
Includes 18 cards and
envelopes. Gift boxed. $10.95
1655 Infant Jesus and
Crib A 4” resin hand painted
infant Jesus in removable
wooden crib. Gift boxed.
$19.95
USE ATTACHED ORDER FORM OR CALL TOLL- FREE 1-800-333-4411
Washington, DC 20017
400 Michigan Avenue NE
Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception
and going to the Request Prayer section.
[email protected]. You may also receive enrollments by visiting our website www.nationalshrine.com
learn more or request enrollments, telephone the National Shrine toll-free at 1-888-721-4004 or send an email to
each month. In addition, deceased enrollees are remembered at Mass each day during the month of November. To
Those enrolled perpetually are remembered in our daily rosary at the National Shrine and in a Novena of Masses
those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
gift in time of illness. Spiritual enrollments for the deceased benefit the departed soul as well as provide comfort to
Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, birthdays or anniversaries. Enrollments are also a thoughtful
the National Shrine, whether for themselves or a loved one. Living enrollments are for special occasions, such as
A Spiritual Enrollment in the Shrine Prayer Guild provides the recipient with a perpetual remembrance in prayer at
A gift of remembrance from the National Shrine
Permit No. 249
Washington, D.C.
PAID
U.S. Postage
Nonprofit Org.