A Catholic’s Guide to Brookland
Previously titled: “Little Rome”: the Catholic corner of Washington D.C.
While Washington D.C is known for many things including the White House, the museums, and the cherry blossoms, few know it for holding one of the most densely populated areas of Catholics in the US. In a small pocket of the NE Quadrant of D.C, you’ll find the largest Catholic Church in North America, a handful of replicated sites of the Holy Land, dozens of religious orders and hundreds of shrines and chapels dedicated to Jesus and the saints.
This area of Washington D.C, which overlaps with Brookland, has gained notoriety as “Little Rome”. After a few months of daily visits to the area, I opted to write a small guide to document all sites you won’t want to miss.
Getting There
All of the places on this list with one exception include a visitor parking lot which is a luxury in D.C (the Sisters of Life Convent has street parking). Alternatively, the redline Brookland-CUA metro station is perfectly positioned to hit all the spots on this list within a 30 minute walking radius. Brookland is only semi-bike friendly depending on which streets you go on so proceed with caution. Admission to all places listed is free.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a gift dedicated to Mary, Mother of God. It houses over 80 chapels highlighting different places, time periods and traditions making it the largest Catholic Church in North America. Having been visited by many Catholics (including 3 popes) and non-Catholics alike, the Basilica is a must-see location for any Washington D.C itinerary.
From a bird’s eye view, the Basilica is shaped like a cross. Within the main church, you can see Christ as the head and Christians in the pews making up his body; this is a physical representation of Christian theology described in 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 among other Bible passages. At the head is the altar and the tabernacle which Catholics understand to hold Jesus in the Eucharist.
Above the altar, the ceiling’s artwork depicts Christ as the lamb sacrifice which again physically depicts a hidden divine reality. Behind the altar is the Christ in Majesty mosaic, one of the largest mosaics in the world, depicting Christ’s power, might and mercy. Also behind and surrounding the altar are stunning art pieces depicting of the mysteries of the Rosary.
Downstairs in the basement, there is a book shop, gift shop and cafeteria area. As of April 2023, the cafeteria does not sell food but has vending machines and abundant seating. Alternatively, there’s a nice field outside between the right side of the church at Catholic University of America for a picnic.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception truly is the embodiment of the people who are the fabric of the Catholic faith and mosaic of our great nation.
Saint John Paul II, the first pope to visit the National Shrine
Admittedly, it can be overwhelming to be surrounded with so much beauty during your first visit; The ceilings and walls of this church are covered in murals highlighting Creation, the persons of the Trinity, the saints and more. Generally it’s a good idea to take a break when you start getting dizzy. It may be helpful to allocate a couple of hours to the visit, plan for multiple visits, or schedule a small group tour ahead of time. The tours are free and the tour guides are friendly volunteers!
For Catholic locals, the Basilica can become a home of worship. It offers Mass and Confession multiple times a day as well as regular Adoration (Schedule). Not only does each chapel exist as a nook to pray in, but the Basilica is surrounded by benches and scenic garden areas in which one can find peace and rest. To the left of the Basilica, adjacent to the overflow parking lot is a Rosary garden. The Basilica often hosts events including concerts and special liturgies. Additionally, drop in spiritual direction is offered 9am-12pm Monday-Friday. Note that daily Mass, Confession and Adoration, usually do not take place in the main chapel but downstairs in the Crypt Church. Ushers will be friendly enough to guide you there!
Personal favorite parts of the church: The ceilings in the main chapel, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the Byzantine-Ruthenian Chapel, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto-Chapel and the Pope Francis cardboard cutout on the basement floor. These are must-see attractions.
National Shrine of Saint John Paul II
3900 Harewood Road, NE Washington, DC 20017
Just a 3-minute drive from the Basilica is the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II. John Paul II was the pope of a generation who lived “an extraordinary life as a gift to God”. He touched the lives of millions during his papacy and this shrine allows his legacy to continue by providing a place to see Christ through the life of this saint. Providing opportunities to learn, be inspired, and worship, the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II shrine welcomes visitors from around the world of all different religious backgrounds.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by friendly front-desk helpers who can answer any questions you have. Past the help desk on the left is the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, a small church with murals of the Baptism at the Jordan, the Wedding Feast at Cana, and other scenes from Christ’s ministry. The art here is truly captivating. Above the altar, a hand is depicted extending from Heaven down to Earth, and in front of the altar is a first class blood relic of John Paul II.
On the right of the help desk is the Redemptor Hominis or Redeemer of Man church, a slightly larger chapel with a similar artstyle depicting other scenes from the life of Jesus. The chapel “also contains relics of several saints, many of whom were beatified or canonized by Pope John Paul II: St. François de Laval, St. José María Robles Hurtado, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Neumann, and St. Junípero Serra.”
Downstairs from the chapels is a museum with an ongoing exhibit: A gift of love: The life of Saint John Paul II. It highlights the saint’s life through the lens of his family life, his devotion to Mary, his assassination attempt, and so much more. I’ve gone through the exhibit multiple times and always underestimate the time it takes to get through; I think an hour and a half would be sufficient.
The shrine also houses a small gift shop and a cafeteria (just vending machines and seating). It hosts special liturgies, devotions, retreats, and other events. Daily Mass and Confession areoffered (hours). Additionally, the opportunity for a plenary indulgence exists and is encouraged for visitors to take advantage of.
Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family
4250 Harewood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20017
The Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family is a five minute walk up the road from the National Shrine of John Paul II (although it does have parking if you want to drive the extra minute). The church was the result of necessity from Ukranians moving into the Washington Metropolitan area in the mid 1900’s. Since then, the shrine has hosted many notable figures including the 4 most recent Spiritual Fathers of the Ukrainian Catholic Church (Source)
Having not been too familiar with Byzantine churches, I was excited to visit one. Upon entering the church, one will see a few posters explaining the differences between Roman Catholic and Byzantine Catholic liturgies. Inside the chapel are beautiful icons including one large image of Mary above the gates concealing the altar. The church has limited hours which can be found on the site.
Dominican House of Studies
487 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017
The Dominican House of Studies (DHS) sits right across the street from the Basilica. It houses the Priory of the Immaculate Conception and the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception. i.e Dominicans. The Dominican religious order is one that is devoted to learning and preaching; to study and to hand on the fruits of study. I call them the “big brain nuns and priests”. The DHS maintains the Catholic Intellectual Tradition by continuing to form students in their own order in addition to welcoming in lay students to get advanced degrees in theology in related coursework.
One reason the Dominican House of Studies is worth a visit is because seeing the outside of their building naturally brings curiosity as to what the inside looks like. So why not explore? As consecrated religious, they pray the Liturgy of the Hours and welcome the public to join in. It could be a new experience for many Catholics to listen to the prayers, sung and chanted by Dominican brothers and sisters. The DHS has daily Mass and Confession by appointment or drop-in at any time the building is open.
Finally, it would be a disservice to not shout out the Thomistic Institute which seeks to strengthen the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in universities. They hold regular free-to-attend reading groups, talks and retreats to students which are absolutely amazing experiences. I cannot recommend it enough. If you’re a young adult, definitely apply! Regardless of school affiliation or circumstance, it is worth looking into.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
400 Quincy Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land houses replicas of the Holy Land in the Middle East and serves as a “Little Jerusalem” in America. This monastery is home to Franciscan Friars who support the people and holy sites of the Middle East. The efforts of the friars help counteract the diminishing numbers of Christians in the region. This monastery is not just home for many friars but also welcomes 50,000 tourists and visitors a year.
It serves America’s Holy Land pilgrims through education, fundraising, recruiting vocations, promoting pilgrimages and providing pastoral ministry locally to religious, lay Catholics and to all of goodwill. (Source)
The monastery holds a main church with archways and paintings acting as arrows to direct your attention to the altar in the middle of the church. In addition to the monastery chapel, there’s also a smaller side chapel where daily Mass is held, a purgatory chapel hidden near the catacombs, and a smaller chapel behind the property exclusive to the friars (so discern religious life for access). The property includes replicas of the Stone of Anointing, Calvary and Tomb of Christ.
The total land on the property is 42 acres, the remaining of which is split up into an “upper garden”, “lower garden” and farm which produces and donates 6000 pounds of food annually. The best season to catch the beautiful flowers is the Spring and to accommodate visitors, the monastery hosts free tours Saturdays at 11am and 12pm from April through September with no reservation required.
My favorite parts: the painting of the crucifixion in the Monastery Chapel, the purgatory chapel (this side of the church with the catacombs is currently closed as of April 2023), and all the flowers!
The monastery is a 10 minute walk from the Brookland-CUA metro station or 16 minute walk from the Basilica. The church and the gardens are open daily from 9am to 4:45 p.m. Additionally, the Monastery also hosts in person and online planet sales, and there is opportunity for personal retreats on the property.
Sisters of Life Convent
3900 13th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
In between the Basilica and Franciscan Monastery are many homes to religious orders. Among which the Sisters of Life are notable for their 2:00pm-7:00pm Adoration hours (some of the most extensive in the area). This is worth a shoutout especially for locals who are seeking to find more time with Christ.
Conclusion
The little Catholic corner of Washington D.C. is filled with many places created to honor God, and it’s housed with many people making their lives a gift for Him. Unfortunately, many worry that the area is fading away with the increasing incentives to sell land and many religious orders losing their homes to build apartments and other properties. I can’t speak to the future, but I can say right now it’s a place that’ll really leave you in awe. You’re sure to see sights that will become glued to your memory. I highly encourage anyone motivated to see it to make the pilgrimage. You will not regret it.
