Travel
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ith summer vacations upon us, The Monitor takes a look at the Catholic sites available for exploration – from shrines across the United States to pilgrimages abroad where saints once walked – in this special TRAVEL section. Watch The Monitor Magazine for travel features in upcoming issues!
A ‘Capitol’ pilgrimage: Catholic sites in our nation’s capital BY DANA VILLAMAGNA OSV News
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hile 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.; 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 Immac-
ulate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE; 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, 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; myfranciscan.org. Continued on T-2
Spring flowers bloom outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. OSV News photo/Bob Roller
June 2024
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE T-1