National Shrine

HOLIDAY_8

Volunteers Brianna Melendez, 13 (L) and sister Noelia, 10, help decorate one of the lower chapels at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

HOLIDAY_7

Volunteers help decorate The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

HOLIDAY_6

Volunteers help decorate one of the lower chapels at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

HOLIDAY_4

Volunteers help decorate The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

HOLIDAY_3

Volunteers help decorate the Crypt Church at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

HOLIDAY_1

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., is decorated for the Christmas season. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

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The Catholic archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, greets the choir as meals are provided to church attendees after Mass on Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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A processional makes its way to the altar as Catholic Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl (below) celebrates Mass for more than 3,500 — including Chidubem Nwabineli (right), 6, and his sister, Chinemelum, 8, of Bowie — on Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl departs after leading a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl sings along with a choir as meals are given out to church attendees following Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl departs after leading a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Pat Beronio of Martinsville, NJ. looks up at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception after Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl leads a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)