Highlights from D.C.

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Photo Courtesy of Sister Sharon Bailey

 Sister Sharon Bailey was at the canonization Mass of Father Junipero Serra that was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday September 23.  The National Shrine is the largest Catholic Church in the Country.  Father Serra was an 18th century Spanish Franciscan friar who evangelized indigenous people during the Spanish colonial era in California.

Photo Courtesy of Sister Sharon Bailey

Photo Courtesy of Sister Sharon Bailey

For the Mass, Sister Sharon sat in the 4th row.  This was her vantage point.  In the photo on the right, you can see the Pope in the distance.  This was the Pope's first Mass in the United States.

Photo  Courtesy of Sister Sharon Bailey

25,000 people were at the Mass to see the Pope.  In her journey to get to the National Shrine, Sister Sharon met these two Filipino women who joined her for the walk.  Sister Sharon said it was nice to spend time getting to know these women, sharing stories of faith and sharing their excitement to see Pope Francis.

For more on Sister Sharon's experience including her thoughts on the "Francis Effect" and what the Pope's visit will mean to Americans: CLICK HERE