Washington D.C., Mar 13, 2020 / 07:30 am
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will remain open with a normal Mass and confession schedule.
The shrine said it is maintaining its public ministry schedule even after the Archdiocese of Washington announced Thursday that public Mass will be suspended in the archdiocese in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Jackie Hayes, director of communications for the National Shrine, confirmed to CNA on Friday, March 13, that notwithstanding Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory's announcement Thursday evening, which closed the archdiocese's Catholic schools and canceling all public Masses, the shrine will continue operations as normal.
While the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is located within the territorial bounds of the Archdiocese of Washington, it is not a diocesan church.