Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Is Honored At The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
When it comes to a pilgrimage for all occasions, there is no place quite like the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Billed as the largest Catholic church building in North America and the tallest habitable building in the city, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is home to multiple shrines and exquisite art pieces, including the Feast of Christ the King-inspired Christ in Majesty:
What is the Feast of Christ the King? Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with the encyclical “Quas Primas," the feast was established in response to the growing secularism and nationalism of the time to remind Catholics of the supremacy of Christ over all earthly powers.
Originally celebrated on the last Sunday of October, it was moved to the final Sunday of the liturgical year in 1969 by Pope Paul VI to emphasize Christ’s role as the eternal King at the culmination of history.
In honor of the Feast of Christ the King on November 24th (2024), you are invited to see the jaw-dropping Christ in Majesty yourself:
Reigning over the Great Upper Church, Christ in Majesty is a colorful mosaic consisting of 3,000 shades of Venetian glass tiles.
Spanning a whopping 3,610 square feet, Christ in Majesty is larger than life, with just the span between His hands reaching an impressive 34 feet.
Dedicated in 1959, Christ in Majesty shows not only Jesus but also angels, including "three red-robed angels are dominations (ministers) who each watch over one dominion: temporal things (portrayed with a tree), contemplation (depicted with an eagle), and spiritual things (shown with a cross)."
Can you imagine celebrating mass at such a stunning place?
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To learn more about everything there is to see and do at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, please visit their website.