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Designated by the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage, this great Basilica is our nation’s preeminent Marian Shrine, dedicated to the patroness of the United States, the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception.
This patronal church is home to more than 80 chapels and oratories that honor the Mother of God and represent the people, cultures, and traditions that are the fabric of the Catholic faith and mosaic of our nation. The National Shrine, also known as Mary’s Shrine, receives on million visitors annually and has been visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others.
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 monument 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.
NSIC donors are compassionate humanitarians and dedicated to supporting the Catholic Mission. Donors are engaged and socially active in their communities. Primarily female, NSIC donors support a variety of non-profits in areas that include Humanitarian, Religious, Health/Disease, Societal Benefit, Human Services and Cultural. |
