WASHINGTON, DC — As the Nation prepares to celebrate its 250th Anniversary, a U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard from the Military District of Washington will herald the opening of the 32nd Annual Memorial Mass at 4:30 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The Mass will take place in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast, in Washington, DC.
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, will celebrate the liturgy for the Solemnity of the Ascension for the intentions of the men and women who are serving or have served in all branches of the U.S. Military, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to God and Country. EWTN will record the celebration and broadcast it in North America on Memorial Day, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. (ET) with a repeat showing that night at 11:30 p.m. (ET).
Joining Archbishop Broglio at the altar will be Catholic U.S. Military chaplains and priests in service to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The 4:30 p.m. Mass will follow the availability of confession from 2:30 p.m. to 3:35 p.m., and the praying of the Rosary at 3:00 p.m., in the Crypt Church; followed by Solemn Vespers at 4:00 p.m. in the Great Upper Church.
Specific prayer intentions are welcome at www.milarch.org/intentions. Please submit your request no later than 12 noon (ET) on Friday, May 15.
The Memorial Mass is open to the public. Media coverage is invited.
For more information, visit www.milarch.org/memorial-mass/.