Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the national Catholic shrine of the United States and is commonly described as the largest Catholic church in North America. The complex contains dozens of chapels, oratories, and extensive mosaic decorations representing many ethnic Catholic communities. It is a major site for national pilgrimages, large liturgies, and archdiocesan ceremonies.