The Bishops of the United States have approved a one-time special collection for completing the Trinity Dome mosaic in The National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The Archdiocese of Seattle will hold the collection on the weekend of August 12 – 13, 2017. Your donation will support the installation of the mosaic ornamentation that will adorn the Trinity Dome, the Crowning Jewel of Mary’s Shrine.
The Trinity Dome
The Trinity Dome is the central and largest dome of the National Shrine. The mosaic that will adorn the dome will depict The Most Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a procession of saints, all of whom have an association with the United States and the National Shri
ne. Through your participation in this project you become part of the fabric of Mary’s Shrine and help bring to completion your church— The Basilica of The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
The Basilica
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception exists today because of the generosity of American Catholics, the prayers of the faithful, and the hard work of the artisans and laborers who built it. This work, which began nearly 100 years ago by our ancestors, reflects the diversity of cultures and ethnicities represented throughout the United States, while also exemplifying the unity and universality of the Catholic Church in America. This is why the Basilica is affectionately referred to as America’s Catholic Church.
America’s Church
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and is among the ten largest churches in the world. Designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage, the 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.
Basilica Versus Cathedral
Wondering what the difference is between a Basilica such as The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and a Cathedral, like St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington or St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City? The folks at Busted Halo have a great explanation.
Make Your Gift
Envelopes for this special collection are not included in offertory envelope packets mailed to the home. Pew envelopes will be available at Mass. Gifts can also be made conveniently using Online Giving with the click of the button below.
