Experiencing American Catholic history doesn’t get much better than a pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary in Old Town Alexandria. The historic parish at 310 S. Royal St., is one of eight Jubilee Year sites in the diocese.
“The basilica is the oldest Catholic parish in the Commonwealth of Virginia, founded in 1795 at the initiative of Col. John Fitzgerald, a Revolutionary War soldier and former aide-de-camp of George Washington,” said Father Edward C. Hathaway, rector. “It has served the Catholic community of Alexandria for 230 years and is the mother church of numerous other parishes in the diocese: St. James in Falls Church, St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax, St. Rita in Alexandria, St. Louis in Alexandria, St. Anthony in Falls Church and Blessed Sacrament in Alexandria, were all former missions of St. Mary.”
The basilica’s sanctuary features a statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception that was installed in 1895. Bishop Burbidge officially crowned Our Lady in an Episcopal Coronation Ceremony Dec. 8, 2024. The crown was specially commissioned and fabricated in Spain. It features symbols of the basilica seal. Pilgrims are encouraged to pray before this historic image of Our Lady, who has often been petitioned on behalf of Catholics in Alexandria.
Pilgrims should wear their best walking shoes to explore the basilica and the historical charm of Old Town. “Alexandria has a surprisingly rich Catholic history and includes several Catholic institutions of note,” said Father Hathaway. “Be sure to visit the basilica cemetery, the oldest Catholic cemetery in Virginia and the oldest continuously operating cemetery in Old Town. The basilica also has its own museum, located in its Lyceum building on 313 Duke Street, which details the history of the basilica and of Catholicism in Virginia.”
A passionate Old Town tour guide, Father Hathaway also strongly recommends visiting St. Joseph Church at 711 N. Columbus St., a historically Black church founded in 1915 with the help of St. Katharine Drexel. Another little-known slice of Catholic history can be discovered at Jones Point, a public park just south of Old Town on the Potomac River beneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge that was once part of a land grant owned by the Brents, one of Virginia’s oldest Catholic families. The park is also home to a 19th-century lighthouse described by the National Park Service as “the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia.”
Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King St. is another must-see. Operated by the Daughters of St. Paul, it offers books and religious art of all kinds. “Be sure to visit the chapel above the bookstore, as Our Lord is present in the tabernacle there,” said Father Hathaway.
When it comes to restaurants, Old Town Alexandria can hold its own with any famous food city. “It’s hard to pick a favorite,” said Father Hathaway. “There are approximately 200 restaurants in Old Town, and all within walking distance. There are enough cuisines to satisfy any palette, although dining along the waterfront is an especially wonderful experience for a great dinner, particularly for those who enjoy seafood.”
A deep dive into Virginia history could be done over several days in Old Town with many museums that offer regular tours, including Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, the Freedom House Museum and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.
The Carlyle House, City Hall, Torpedo Factory and Waterfront are all highly recommended. Next to the basilica is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, at 323 S. Fairfax St. You can enter through the gate of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House next to the basilica on South Royal Street.
Some underrated family activities include: riding the trolley from Old Town Metrorail station on King Street to the waterfront, and enjoying Windmill Hill Park, 501 S. Union St., both for the playground and to watch the boats on the river.
Any day of the week, Old Town Alexandria “is bursting with history and bustling with activity,” said Father Hathaway.
Find out more
For a sneak peek of the Basilica of St. Mary, go to bit.ly/3UzWy0A.
