What’s distinctive about your parish?
Founded in 1795 as the first parish in the commonwealth of Virginia, St. Mary in Alexandria played a crucial role in the growth of Catholicism in Virginia throughout the 1800s. Many mission churches the parish established are now independent parishes in the Arlington diocese. Due to its historic significance, art and architecture, Pope Francis designated the parish church as a minor basilica Dec. 6, 2017, making it the first in Northern Virginia and our diocese.
The stained-glass windows in the church are striking and were made during the early 20th century, with the eight aisle windows imported from two different studios in Munich, Germany. They include images of Sts. Vincent de Paul, Michael the Archangel, Bridget and Patrick. One window depicts Our Lord teaching children, underscoring the importance of passing on the faith. Above the crucifix, altar and tabernacle, a magnificent stained-glass skylight depicts the Lamb of God triumphant.
St. Mary’s Cemetery, founded in 1795, is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Virginia. The Basilica School of St. Mary, the largest parochial school in the diocese, is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion project to become a leading 21st-century Catholic elementary institution. The basilica is located in historic Old Town Alexandria, with its 200 shops and restaurants and proximity to the Potomac River, parks, and recreational opportunities.
What is a new ministry that you’ve started?
Founded last year, the Institute for Faith and Public Culture’s mission is to give the surrounding community the opportunity to reflect philosophically and theologically on the ways in which the Catholic faith is integral to our understanding of the family, arts and the law.
Another recent ministry — founded in 2020 in response to recent events of racial injustice — is the Saint Katharine Drexel Society. The society prays for the healing of our nation, especially in reparation for racism and other sins against the dignity of the human person; for the sacredness of every human life to be protected and upheld; and for the unity of human society under the peaceful Lordship of Jesus Christ. The group prays during the basilica’s holy hour on Wednesday evenings. Finally, there is the St. Gregory Children’s Choir School for ages 8-12, which just finished its inaugural year.
Is there a special way your parish encourages and supports faith formation?
Our CCD program covers kindergarten through eighth grade. Every year we have more than 100 students who prepare for first Communion and about 100 students who prepare for confirmation. The majority of our catechists are certified through the diocese with a few who are, or soon will be, master catechists.
Our RCIA program is well attended every year and is taught by our priests and seminarians (usually from the Dominican order). A team of more than 10 adults supports this ministry by assisting with hospitality and leading discussions with the inquirers, catechumens and candidates toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish?
We welcome all the faithful. We have student and adult parishioners from North, Central, and South Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and those in military service who attend the basilica’s faith formation programs, bringing with them varied experiences.
Assisted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, we also celebrate our Irish heritage in honor of St. Patrick with a party called the Hooley. We hold Oktoberfest every fall and celebrate all Marian feasts, paying particular attention to Our Lady of Guadalupe every year at the school and parish. We also built our first-ever St. Joseph Altar in March, which our Italian parishioners appreciated.
What’s something we should know about your clergy?
Our priests are Christ-centered, hard-working, reverent, readily available, dedicated and passionate about sharing Gospel truths. They care deeply about people becoming holy and are outstanding preachers. The rector is Father Edward C. Hathaway, who has been our leader since 2015.
Would you like to share anything else about your parish?
The liturgies are known for their reverence and focus on the Eucharist, such as frequent occasions for adoration and Forty Hours Devotion. There are many opportunities during the week for parishioners to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Additionally, the basilica is known for its flourishing music program, including an eight-voice professional choir which sings throughout the year and at a yearly Lessons and Carols on the third Sunday of December. This September, the choir will release its first album, on the theme of the Eucharist.
Quick Facts:
Basilica of St. Mary
310 South Royal St.
Alexandria
703/836-4100
Pastor: Fr. Edward C. Hathaway
Parochial Vicars: Fr. Joseph B. Townsend, Fr. Peter J. Clem
Priest in Residence: Fr. Noah C. Morey
Mass times:
Saturday: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass
Sunday: 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.
Daily Mass: Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m.; 8 a.m.; 12:10 p.m.
Confession times:
Monday–Friday: after the 12:10 p.m. Mass
Wednesday: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9-10 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.
School: The Basilica School of St. Mary
400 Green St.
Alexandria
703/549-1646
Prekindergarten–eighth grade
Total students: 700+
Principal: Robert Loia
Year established: 1795
Total parishioners: 8,900+
Social Media:
Instagram: @stmaryoldtown
Twitter: @stmaryoldtown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmaryoldtown
Watch the Basilica’s 225th anniversary commemoration parish film, “To Jesus Through Mary”: https://vimeo.com/713465166
