America’s largest Catholic church may be complete, but its work with the poor is never over

A dedication ceremony for the Trinity Dome mosaic at the Bailica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATTHEW BARRICK, RELIGION NEWS SERVICE

On Dec. 8, I was invited to attend the historic dedication of the Trinity Dome mosaic at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. More than 4,000 people, including civic and religious leaders from all persuasions filled the Great Upper Church to witness this momentous event. The “National Shrine” as it’s often referred to, laid its cornerstone in 1920, and the Dedication of this new Trinity Dome Mosaic marks the completion of the National Shrine’s original architectural designs.

While aesthetically beautiful, its true impact comes from the meaning of the mosaic. I had the opportunity to speak with both Father Ray Lebrun and Josh Maxey on the significance of the National Shrine and this glorious peace of artwork, not just for Catholics in America, but for our nation.

Aside from regular Sunday mass goers, are there any special communities that the National Shrine serves?

Being “America’s Catholic Church” we have a very unique position. We are not a parish church, i.e., we do not belong to a specific diocese, as we belong to all of American Catholics. When some think of a regular parish church, they may think of the many programs that most offer for those in need. Many churches often have a social justice ministry that specifically works on issues such as homelessness or housing inequality, or even access to food. Although we are not a parish church, we try our very best at supporting our local brothers and sisters in need. Our biggest outreach program is our annual Christmas Dinner, where we feed over 2,000 needy, poor, homeless, or elderly individuals.

How are you able to fulfill the National Shrine’s work with the poor?

The National Shrine like, most churches relies on donations from parishioners and visitors who can donate to our “Poor Box.” Funds from these donations primarily go towards helping more than 700 families throughout the year. Many of our friends that we help use the funds they receive from us to help supplement food stamps that sometimes run out before the end of the month.

Tell me more about the Trinity Dome Mosaic itself and how it connects to the Universal Church’s call to protect the poor.

The Trinity Dome is filled with more than 14 million pieces of Venetian glass, which is truly as remarkable work of art, but the essence of the mosaic is what the images in the dome represent. The dome which is surrounded by the words of the Christian Nicene Creed or statement of faith (which was blessed by Pope Francis on his 2015 papal visit), also contains images of the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, and images of a multitude of Saints. These Saints serve as a reminder to those who view them on not only on the Christian’s call to holiness, but also our universal call to serve.

Saints depicted in the mosaic are individuals who gave their lives for the poor and lifting up of communities. Saints such as Frances Cabrini; Juan Diego, Katherine Drexel, and Teresa of Calcutta to name a few. The images of these men and women serve as reminders that we too, no matter race, creed or color should strive to be in service of our brothers and sisters; especially those in need.

Is this call to serve only meant for Catholics or Christians? What can we all do?

Everyone, no matter Christian, Jew, Muslim, or non-religious has the fundamental responsibility to help those in need. In the Christian tradition, we are reminded of the beautiful parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, we hear of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left for half dead. He is vulnerable and broken, like so many of our impoverished brothers and sisters today. In the story, several people passed by the wounded man without offering assistance, and leaving him alone. Finally a Samaritan stops by and helps the gentlemen by bandaging up his wounds and even paying for his stay at an inn so he could fully recover. We are all called to be Good Samaritans. But being a “Good Samaritan” is not all about giving monetarily. Yes, this is important, but being a good Samaritan also means offering a “hello” or a “Good morning” on the street when you see someone who is needy, or even offering words of encouragement. When we begin to recognized ALL people as being worthy of respect and dignity, these is how we begin to break down barriers and vanquish stereotypes and prejudices.

The Trinity Dome: a magnificent work of art, and our calling to serve those in need, and advocate for the poor, the needy, the homeless, the elderly. Just like the Saints depicted in this mosaic, it is my faith, it is my hope that we all will one day be recognized as one thing, that is a human, deserving of respect, love, and dignity.


Issues |Civil Rights|Religion


Region |Washington DC

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