Cardinal Inaugurates Marian Year at National Shrine

In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the solemn proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception opened a Marian Year celebration Dec. 8. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington presided at the inaugural liturgy.

The Basilica's rector, Msgr. Michael J. Bransfield, read a letter from the Holy See in which the Pope John II imparted his apostolic blessing and granted a Marian Year indulgence to the faithful who will visit the Basilica on pilgrimage during the observance. The Holy Father indicated his hope that, "all the faithful would be inspired anew by [Mary's] example and assisted by her prayers as they strive ... to work for the advancement of Christ's kingdom of truth, justice and peace." In closing, the Pope commended to Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States the life and mission of the Church in America.

The plenary indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who visit the Basilica between Dec. 8, 2003, and Dec. 8, 2004, on pilgrimage or for a liturgy or other pious devotion, and who recite the Lord's Prayer and Apostle's Creed. An indulgence may be obtained once each day, under the customary conditions, which are: to the extent of one's awareness, all attachment to sin, even to venial sin, be absent; sacramental confession within several days of seeking the indulgence; reception of Holy Communion; and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.

The Basilica is the patronal Church of the United States, having been named in honor of Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception. The U.S. bishops collectively placed the nation under her care in 1846. Pope Pius IX ratified their action shortly after and on Dec. 8, 1854, solemnly defined and proclaimed the dogma, which holds that Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin from the first moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, St. Ann.

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