National Shrine

Well there was more winter weather today. Lots of ice. So we hung out at the hotel for a good part of the morning and played some games. Then we decided to drive into DC to see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Hubs did a great job of driving into the city and finding our way--of course his navigator was top notch, too:) We arrived about 10 minutes after Mass started in the Crypt church, but we went in anyway. It was lovely.
We toured the rest of the Basilica after and it seemed that every time we saw something new it was more beautiful than the last. Dh, being a contractor, was amazed at the construction and the immensity of it.
As I walked around, my soul was stirred. The building itself was like a prayer, the beauty of design and craftsmanship gave great glory and honor to Our Lord and Blessed Mother. That is not even to mention the ginormous mosaic of Jesus in the ceiling of the sanctuary which is so imposing and commanding that it sets the tone for the entire church. It was all amazing!
Downstairs, of course, was the gift shop. Actually it is split into two parts. On one side of the cafeteria is the gift shop and on the other side is strictly a bookstore. Now, anyone who really knows me, knows exactly which shop I headed for:) Yup, I bought books! Not as many as I wanted, but I got some ideas for mother's day!
Anyway, I made a slide show of our day. Enjoy!