Tag: Marian Churches

  • Visit no. 12: Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

    Visit no. 12: Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

    Our Rejoice in Mary Jubilee Journey ended magnificently at Fredericksburg. I commenced writing this post on the evening of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which brings even fonder memories of our visit to this extraordinary parish. Father Dansereau, who joyously welcomed us to the parish, pointed out the connection between the church and the…

  • Visit No. 9: Our Lady of the Valley

    Visit No. 9: Our Lady of the Valley

    Late November, and we’re finally back out on the road for our Diocese Mary-named churches pilgrimage — this time to Luray, Virginia. Our first visit to one of the Diocese of Arlington’s “western” churches, Our Lady of the Valley, reminds us why we’ve so much enjoyed these trips. It also launched Michael into a deep…

  • Side trip: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

    Side trip: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

    We sadly had to miss the Archdiocese pilgrimage to National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on October 12, led by the Bishop (see here for Arlington Catholic Herald article), so we very much anticipated a tour of the National Shrine arranged by our Parish, the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Turns out to be…

  • Thank you, Arlington Catholic Herald & Welcome, ACH readers!

    Thank you, Arlington Catholic Herald & Welcome, ACH readers!

    It’s great fun to see the article in this week’s Arlington Catholic Herald about our Jubilee Journey pilgrimage to Mary-named parishes in the Diocese of Arlington. Terry and I had lots of fun speaking with the Catholic Herald Staff Writer, Anna Harvey, who is super nice and a very astute reporter. She asked great questions,…

  • Visit no. 8: Our Lady Queen of Peace

    Visit no. 8: Our Lady Queen of Peace

    This week we finally visited the Mary-named parish that is closet to our home, but one that is the furthest from our experiences in our Mary church visits. Fascinating and illuminating visit, so glad we made the short trip! Visit date: Saturday, September 16, 2023 Mass: 5:30 Saturday Vigil Mass Address: 2700 South 19th Street,…

  • What is Guadalupe? The history of Our Lady of Guadalupe, The Perfect Virgin

    What is Guadalupe? The history of Our Lady of Guadalupe, The Perfect Virgin

    This post explains the historical context of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Here for Our Visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City and for a Photo Gallery of our visit. The morning of Saturday, December 9, 1531, ten years after the fall of the Aztec empire to the Spanish Hernan Cortés, Our Lady, Mother of…

  • Visit no. 7: Our Lady of Angels

    Visit no. 7: Our Lady of Angels

    We’ve been on a roll, really enjoying our Saturday visits to Mary-named churches and attending Mass at all these different places, with different people and priests. If you’re from Arlington, you won’t think much about Woodbridge, other than a place to pass by on the way to the Ikea… No way! Our new friend, Tom,…

  • Visit no. 6: Our Lady of Hope

    Visit no. 6: Our Lady of Hope

    Terry was very excited about this visit, as we’re not only getting to halfway through our Mary-named church visits and celebration, but this one, out in Potomac Falls, is near to her 98 year old Godmother — who can recall every detail about Terry’s baptism. Visit date: Saturday, August 5, 2023 Mass: 8:30 am Saturday…

  • Visit no. 5: Our Lady of Good Counsel

    Visit no. 5: Our Lady of Good Counsel

    Michael’s choice this week, as he had lived for a time in Vienna some years ago and knows the area well and has friends who had attended Good Counsel High School. Mass with Father Kumar was brilliant, and he kindly shared his inspiring personal story, while taking us a special tour of the main church,…

  • Visit no. 4b: Saint Mary of Sorrows – the Historic Church

    Visit no. 4b: Saint Mary of Sorrows – the Historic Church

    Michael the historian was excited about this visit, having read through the extensive histories of the old, historical church. No let downs, other than we were unable to peak inside, as there was a service in progress when we arrived. Fun visit, nevertheless, and beautiful grounds. Visit date: Saturday, July 22, 2023 Mass: after 9:15…

  • Visit no. 4: Saint Mary of Sorrows

    Visit no. 4: Saint Mary of Sorrows

    We arrived with few expectations for our this next selection, as it was unclear to us on the map where was the new church in relation to the old, historical one, and what’s it all about, anyway? Turned out a wonderful surprise: gorgeous new church building, welcoming and enthusiastic community, and another great experience for…

  • Terry’s side trip: St. Francis Chapel at Boston Convention Center

    Terry’s side trip: St. Francis Chapel at Boston Convention Center

    Terry’s business trip to Boston turned into another of our magnificent Mary-centered encounters and celebrations. Read below for her amazing story! Visit date: Sunday, July 16, 2023 Mass: Sunday Address: 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1001, Boston, MA 02199 Website: Oblates of the Virgin Mary – St. Francis Chapel (omvusa.org) Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Lectionary:…

  • Visit no. 3: Our Lady of Lourdes

    Visit no. 3: Our Lady of Lourdes

    Our next visit was to another nearby church, this one in the Aurora Hills neighborhood, which is tucked in just above Crystal City. At the church, one would never know that the airport and Pentagon are within walking distance. It’s a beautiful church, and has an amazing history, we were to discover, thanks to a…

  • Visit no. 2: Queen of the Apostles

    Visit no. 2: Queen of the Apostles

    We anxiously anticipated our next Mary-named church visit, with this week’s selection of Queen of the Apostles with hopes to see Father Berghout. Although he was not there, we had the special honor of attending Mass and afterwards speaking with Father Alex, who welcomed us enthusiastically. Visit date: Saturday, July 8, 2023 Mass: 8:00 am…

  • Visit no. 1: Basilica of Saint Mary

    Visit no. 1: Basilica of Saint Mary

    We happily started off our “Jubilee Journey” celebrations at one of the most beautiful churches in the Diocese, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria. And what a fortunate visit it was, as we unknowingly joined a very special mass with Father Bob Monagle. Visit date: Saturday, July 1, 2023 Mass: 5:00 pm Saturday Vigil…

  • Arlington Diocese Mary Jubilee Celebration

    Arlington Diocese Mary Jubilee Celebration

    As part of the 2024 50th anniversary Jubilee celebrations of the Arlington Diocese, Bishop Burbidge has encouraged the faithful to visit the twelve churches named for Mary or one her titles across the Diocese: A Jubilee Journey with Mary (arlingtondiocese.org) From the Bishop: A Jubilee Journey with Mary Mary has been given titles from Scripture,…