Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

It is always difficult for busy college students to forget about the importance of religion, especially when studying in a new city.  Sadly, after twelve weeks I only made it to Mass 4 times, all in St. Josephs Church on Capitol Hill.  This morning though, I decided to wake up early and take the metro to see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the Catholic University of America.  It was the largest church I have ever seen!  The metro was running way behind, like usual, but I still arrived about fifteen minutes before the 10:30 Mass.  I walked into the Basilica and immediately looked up, there was a giant dome in the center and gorgeous paintings of Biblical stories along the walls and ceilings.  There was a small opening at the top of the dome, but it let in enough light for the entire Basilica.  It was very heartwarming that by the time Mass started, every pew in the gigantic Basilica was filled and people had to stand along the walls.  With all of the studies showing how religion is less popular than ever in the United States, this was a nice visual to remind us that religion is still a core foundation for our country.

  

The gospel was about Mary sitting and learning from Jesus while Martha was doing all of the household chores.  The lesson from the Gospel is balance.  In a city like DC, where hard work seems to take up the majority of our time (like Martha), we must remember to relax and enjoy the presence of each other (like Mary).  I am so glad that I spent my Sunday morning visiting and celebrating Mass in one of the great treasures of Washington DC.  As I walked out of the Basilica, I noticed a sign with the motto of the Catholic University: For God and For Country.  We always try to separate Church from politics, but both have the same mission of solving problems in the world.  This beautiful shrine was a nice reminder of that.  
- Jake