History of the Basilica

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was built by American Catholics wanting to honor the Virgin Mary, the Basilica's namesake and patroness of the United States.

Known as America's Catholic Church, the Basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States.

Background

Wanting a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, American Catholics, led by Monsignor Thomas J. Shahan, expressed their desire for the church's creation to Catholic leaders in the Vatican. The project gained momentum in 1914 when Bishop Thomas Shahan secured Vatican support and chose a site near The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. In choosing this location, the Catholic church could affirm its power due to Washington's history of political and educational influence.

Crypt of the National Shrine 1993.17; CHRC

Construction

Ground officially broke in 1920 when James Gibbons (Cardinal) laid the foundation stone, following the blessing of the land completed by Archbishop Giovanni Bonzano.

The Basilica took inspiration from other Catholic churches around the world, but it was not a replica of any. Its Byzantine-Romanesque architectural style further emphasized the values of the Catholic church and heavily contrasted the simplistic design of neighboring protestant churches.

By 1924, significant progress had been made in the construction of the church, enough so that the first Mass was able to be celebrated in the Crypt level, which was finalized in 1931.

However, due to the Great Depression and the World Wars that followed, construction on the church stopped entirely. It wasn't until 1953, years after the end of World War II, that progress was once again made on the church.

Gift Exchange from the Start

In 1913, Pope Pius X enthusiastically accepted Shahan's petition for building the church, which he followed with a $400 contribution (approximately $10,000 today) towards its construction.

Ethnic parishes also hoped to expand Catholic outreach in America. As such, the church received donations from Filipinos, Polish, and Mexican groups, among many others, for the creation of chapels under their names. This, in turn, made the church a place for cultural exchange even in its earliest days.

More recently, in 2017, the Trinity Dome was completed. This was made possible thanks to donations made by Catholics nationwide. From parishes to families, different groups worked together to advance the church's future, showing a spiritual connection between contributors and the church as the recipient, as well as a sense of Catholic identity.

Pope Pius X portrayed in the east portico. Nationalshrine.

Mosaic tiles depicting the Immaculate Conception and various saints are seen in the Trinity Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

Dedication of the Natural Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

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