Crypt Level

The Crypt Church. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org//venue/crypt-church/

The Crypt Church

In the crypt level of the Basilica, there is a full functioning church beneath the man level, equipped with low arches, dimmer lights, and as well as a more intimate feeling. With their own altars and mosaics it creates a sacred space instead of a "basement"

Chapels and Oratories. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit

Chapels and Oratories

Along the corridors of the levels, there are many side chapels and oratories dedicated to the different titles of "Mary" and to various nations and communities. This includes "Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel", recreations of famous European Shrines and as well as many divisions of immigrant groups

Burial Areas. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/memorial-hall-and-registry/

Burial Places

This level also includes burial places, most famously the tomb of Bishop Thomas Shahan, the first rector who led the idea of building a national shrine in the United States. This is more than just a tomb, it reflects on how the Basilica is built, both literally and symbolically, on the work and faith of the earlier generations.

Enrollments and Devotionals (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/enrollments-devotionals/

Devotional Areas

Scattered throughout the crypt are various quiet corners of devotion with statues, icons, and as well as candles where visitors can come and pray. These spaces are both private and intimate allowing for anyone to come and sit in silence.

Papal Exhibit n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Papal Exhibit

Displays objects linked to visits and blessings (gifts) given by many various popes as a symbolic treaty and cooperation with the United States

Coronation Tiara of Pope Paul VI n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Coronation Tiara of Pope Paul VI

This Tiara is the actual one used in Pope Paul IV's coronation in 1963, later he gave it up as a symbol of donating his wealth to the poor, and later came to the US as a tribute to American Catholic's generosity and now rests permanently as a "gift" to the US Catholic Churches

Golden Rose of Pope Benedict XVI n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Golden Rose of Pope Benedict XVI

During his visit in 2008, he presented a Papal Golden Rose to the Basilica, a rare honor that was usually reserved for important Marian shrines, however, this became a physical gift that was used to strengthen the ties of the United States (American Catholics) and the Vatican

Chair of Saint John Paul II n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Papal Chair of Saint John Paul II

This oak chair was used by Pope John Paul II at the World Youth Day in Denver in 1993, and was later gifted by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. This turns a historic US papal event into a gift for America's National Shrine

Chair of Pope Benedict XVI n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Papal Chair of Pope Benedict XVI

This walnut chair was used by Pope Benedict at the Vespers which was crafted by American artisans. This becomes a two way gift, Americans offered their craftsmanship to the Pope, and by him using (accepting) it and later gifting it to the Shrine becomes a memento of his visit and cooperation to the United States

CPapal Gifts Given by Pope Francis n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Chair, Ambo, and Altar of Pope Francis

Used in Pope Francis's canonization of Junipero Serra (first canonization Mass on US soil). Catholic University students designed and made the Chair, Ambo, and altar used on the Shrine's steps. After, these pieces stayed and became a gift (from and for) the US Catholic Church

Iron Replica of Pope Paul VI's Pastoral Staff n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/a-guide-to-the-papal-exhibit/

Iron Replica of Pope Paul VI's Pastoral Staff

Despite not being the actual staff, this replica was given to the Basilica in 2013 by the people of Montagna Inzino in Italy, in 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's election. This gift coming from an Italian local Catholic Church to the National Shrine in the United States showcasing global diplomatic relations between these countries through the Church

Our Mother of Africa Chapel n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org/virtually-tour-the-our-mother-of-africa-chapel/

Our Mother of Africa Chapel

Our Mother of Africa Chapel is a small chapel on the crypt level given by the National Black Catholic Congress. At the center is a bronze Madonna Black holding a child. The major significance of this "gift" is that it is the nations largest Black Catholic monument given to the national shrine as a symbol of expressing their history, suffering, and as a hope for a united future. This Chapel visually tells the store of enslavement and struggle and by praying and being in the space, it is a way of remembrance and honoring