The Dialog

By Joseph Austin

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — As three choirs sang a modern-day arrangement of the “Memorare” together May 11, a Vietnamese father, mother and daughter in traditional “ao dai” attire walked reverently to the front of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington and placed an ornate crown on the statue of Mary to the left of the altar.

“She is indeed a pillar of faith,” Msgr. Vito A. Buonanno, the shrine’s director of pilgrimages, remarked afterward. “We come as a people … diverse, yet united. … On this day in Mary’s house, we give her honor.”     Read more »

By Mark Zimmermann

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON — At a critical time for American Catholics to stand up in defense of life and religious freedom, they must engage in the church’s new evangelization effort, deepening their faith and sharing it in their everyday lives and in the public square, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said Oct. 14.

He made the comments in the homily at a Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

Read more »

By Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON — Defending religious liberty is part of the bigger struggle to “convert our own hearts”and “live for God completely,” Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said July 4 in Washington at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

He delivered the homily at the Mass that brought the U.S. bishops’ “Fortnight for Freedom” to a close.

Read more »