In just a few days Pope Benedict XVI will begin a historic tour of Washington, D.C. and New York. In my previous blog I listed some of the sites the pontiff is scheduled to visit while in the Big Apple and how you too can share in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the leader of the Catholic Church in person.
If you are unable to make it to New York City or Washington, D.C. next week during the Pope’s visit you could settle for the next best thing—following in his footsteps the next time you are in either of the metropolises.
When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the United States he is scheduled to attend a White House dinner hosted in his honor. From there the pontiff is rumored to be making several stops at the area’s most historic Catholic sites. The Washington area’s connection to the Catholic Church spans nearly 400 years so there is no shortage of attractions for the Pope (or you) to visit.
For example, in Maryland’s St. Clement’s Island State Park, a massive cross marks the spot where the first Mass in English-speaking North America was celebrated in 1634. The park is also home to a museum filled with exhibits detailing the rise of the area’s first Catholic governor and other noteworthy contributions made by the Archdiocese of Washington.
Regardless of your religious background, a trip to Washington would not be complete without visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Located at 400 Michigan Ave., NE 9(adjacent to Catholic University) it is one of the largest churches in the world. The Basilica is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and its chapels include different representations of her from cultures around the world.
Another popular tourist spot is D.C.’s Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. It is probably best known as the church where President Kennedy’s funeral was held and the spot where the famous photo of John Kennedy Jr. saluting his father’s casket was taken. St. Matthew’s is also where an annual Mass is held on the Sunday before the Supreme Court session opens each October to pray for the justices.
Finally, it is billed as one of Washington’s hidden treasures and once you visit the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the Franciscan Monastery you’ll see why. The property contains replicas of the shrines of the Holy Land and offers hourly tours for visitors. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
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