Advent and Christmas

Chancel and Altar - Christmas

Christmas Novena of Masses 

Honor your loved ones with the gift of prayer this Christmas

Give the gift of prayer this Christmas season by enrolling your nearest and dearest in our Christmas Novena of Masses here at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Each year, in our Great Upper Church and the Crypt Church, we display several Christmas Crèches, with nearly life-sized figures hand-painted in Italy. It is a tradition at Mary’s Shrine to place the prayer intentions we receive from you before the Holy Family, so that they may be prayed for during the Christmas Novena of Masses. 

By enrolling your family members and friends, both living and deceased, not only will you be entrusting those special people in your life to our Lord's care, but you will be personally participating in the ministry and tradition of prayer at Mary's Shrine.

Enroll your loved ones today!

No offering is required for prayer. If you are unable to make a donation at this time, you may submit a prayer request through our Request a Prayer form.

Prayer Intentions