Feast of the Immaculate Conception

On the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of the National Basilica in Washington, USA, December 8, 2017, the Sister Servants of the American Province and gathered guests took part in the dedication of a new dome. This ceremony was the crown of construction of this national sanctuary, which began in 1920. The dome itself, composed of 14 million pieces of glass, depicts the Holy Trinity, the Mother of God, the Evangelists, four angels and 18 figures related to the history of the United States, including Saint Juan Diego, Saint Josephine Bakhita, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Saint John Paul II. There would be nothing extraordinary and special for our Congregation if it were not for the fact that under one of the windows of the dome are the words: "Please, pray for the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate". This inscription was placed by the decision of Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, and the Supervisory Board of the Basilica in gratitude to our Congregation 30-years of service at the Basilica. Msgr. Rossi presented this surprise to Mother Superior and Sisters during the general visit in May 2017 when the entire project was still in the process of creation. Mother Superior together with the Sisters had the opportunity to see the construction site closely and to sign the dome. May Mary Immaculate, patron of the Basilica, plead for her servants.