In honor of the Marian-themed Year Two of the Diocesan Golden Jubilee, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge is encouraging Catholics to make a pilgrimage to the 11 parishes in the diocese named in honor of Our Lady. While visiting, pilgrims can learn more about that particular title of Mary and the parish history while spending time in prayer.
Check with the parish before visiting to see Mass times and when the church is open. The Jubilee Journey webpage includes links to rosary reflections and a prayer for the year. Read more about the 11 parishes below.
Basilica of St. Mary
310 S. Royal St., Alexandria
Founded in 1795, St. Mary is the oldest parish in Virginia, and the only minor basilica in the diocese. Beautiful paintings showing the life of Mary can be seen on the church ceiling. While in the area, check out the Catholic Charities Christ House Thrift Shop and Pauline Books and Media, a Catholic bookstore run by the Daughters of St. Paul.
Our Lady of Angels
13752 Mary’s Way, Woodbridge
ourladyofangelscatholicchurch.com
Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge, one of the largest parishes in the diocese, is under the pastoral care of the bilingual Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary priests. Across from the main church is a perpetual adoration chapel. While in the area, explore nature at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge or Leesylvania State Park.
Our Lady of the Blue Ridge
629 Lonnie Burke Rd., Madison
Our Lady of the Blue Ridge is a small brick church with a white steeple in a town not far from Charlottesville. As suggested by the name, the church is surrounded by mountains. The parish has a memorial garden that includes a statue of Mary. While in the area, take in the views with a drive on Skyline Drive.
Our Lady of Good Counsel
8601 Wolftrap Rd., Vienna
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church is tucked in the middle of a Vienna neighborhood and has a Mary garden for prayerful reflection. The parish is under the pastoral care of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The diocesan website notes, “Our Lady has been honored under the title of ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel’ since 1467, when a small painting of that same name, located some 30 miles from Rome, began to attract pilgrims seeking her intercession. Many found their prayers answered with miracles.” While in the area, stroll through downtown Vienna or on the W&OD trail.
Our Lady of Hope
46639 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls
In 1871, Our Lady of Hope appeared to four children in Pontmain, France, wearing a dark blue dress covered with stars. A statue of Our Lady greets visitors as they walk into the Potomac Falls church and paintings of the apparition flank the altar. Inside, stars decorate the ceiling. Outside, the parish grounds are worth exploring and feature religious statues, including one dedicated to Blessed Michael McGivney, who founded the Knights of Columbus. While in the area, take a swing at Topgolf.
Our Lady of Lourdes
#23rd St. S., Arlington
This parish, founded in 1946, is named after the famous apparition of Our Lady to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France. After Mary instructed the teenage girl to start digging, a spring of healing water began to bubble up from the ground and the spot is now a popular pilgrimage site. Stained glass and a side chapel inside the Arlington church and a garden outside feature Mary. While in the walkable neighborhood, go down 23rd Street to check out restaurants such as Bob & Edith’s Diner for breakfast or the Portofino Restaurant for an Italian dinner.
Our Lady of the Valley
200 Collins Ave., Luray
After years commuting for miles to reach the nearest parish, Catholics in Luray celebrated the dedication of their own church Oct. 31, 1954. Each summer, the small parish community welcomes an influx of visitors who are in town to see the nearby tourist attractions of Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns. Both spots, as well as the quaint downtown area of Luray, are worth a stop while visiting the country church.
Our Lady Queen of Peace
2700 S. 19th St., Arlington
This Arlington parish was founded in 1945 by Black Catholics and is known today for its charitable works. Check with the parish for times to contribute clothes to the parish thrift store or pantry goods for the weekly food distribution. While in the area, visit Shirlington, which offers an array of dining and entertainment options along Campbell Avenue.
Queen of Apostles
4401 Sano St., Alexandria
Mary and the apostles are depicted in the sanctuary of this Alexandria church. St. Luke writes in Acts that after Christ ascended into heaven, the apostles and several disciples were gathered together with Mary, “persevering with one mind in prayer.” The parish has an adoration chapel and a gift shop. While nearby, check out Green Spring Gardens, a public park and museum.
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
1009 Stafford Ave., Fredericksburg
Founded in 1858, St. Mary is one of the oldest and largest parishes in the diocese. Statues of Mary and St. John as well as Christ on the cross in the sanctuary were sculpted by the local artist Thomas Marsh. While in the area, check out the shops and restaurants of Old Town Fredericksburg.
St. Mary of Sorrows
10500 Zion Dr., Fairfax
St. Mary of Sorrows was founded in 1858 by Irish railroad workers. The parish has both a small historic church and cemetery at the corner of Fairfax Station Road and VA-123, as well as a much larger church that was dedicated in 2020. Above the altar are stained-glass windows highlighting the Seven Sorrows of Mary. If you visit on a Sunday, check out the nearby Fairfax Station Railroad Museum.
