WASHINGTON, D.C. – At 12:00 (noon, ET) on Pentecost Sunday, 15 May 2016, in the Great Upper Church of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue, Washington, D.C., Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio will celebrate the 22nd Memorial Mass to honor the men and women who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The mid-day celebration is a new time for the annual springtime Sunday Mass, which in years past was held in the late afternoon. In a letter announcing the new time to friends and supporters of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), Archbishop Broglio explained, “I have scheduled the Mass at a new time this year in the hopes that an earlier hour might be more convenient for most people.” But the Archbishop advised the time change will require a little extra planning on the part of those attending: “There is also a Mass at 10:30 in the Basilica and so parking may be a bit more challenging. You might want to allow some extra time that morning.” Mass goers are also advised to check for possible delays due to road construction.
The Memorial Mass is open to the public. Registration is available online at the AMS website: milarch.org/memorialmass. Those planning to attend are asked to register no later than May 11. AMS staff will assure reserved general seating for confirmed guests on a first-come-first-serve basis. Anyone wishing to submit names for prayerful remembrance at the altar may do so by emailing Jo Ann Redmond at jredmond@milarch.com by noon on Friday, May 13.
Archbishop Broglio extends an invitation to all who support the men and women who put their lives on the line in defense of the United States:
“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to gather around the Lord’s Table and pray for those who have nobly served our Country and now rest in Him or those who still bear in their minds and bodies the effects of combat.”
