Today at noon, the bells of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception tolled 88 times, honoring each year of Pope Francis’s life. #popefrancis #catholic #vatican #catholicchurch | Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

As a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage, the Basilica welcomes thousands of pilgrims from different dioceses throughout the year. Here’s a glimpse at the Diocese of Allentown’s pilgrimage to the Basilica last week, where over 2,000 pilgrims filled Mary’s Shrine. Have you visited the Shrine recently? | Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception