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In the middle of the power of Washington D.C. is the stately Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest Catholic Churches in the whole world.
Where is that Lourdes Grotto in the Immaculate Conception Basilica?
In all the busy-ness of getting ready for Christmas—with one eye on the North Star and the other eye on all that needs to be done, some really significant intentions can be left in the mall parking lot or in travel…
Where is that Lourdes Grotto in the Immaculate Conception Basilica? 
Amidst important meetings, a visit to a Church can steady our compass back to the North Star to get to the Manger on time!
Entering the Basilica, awesome is the first reaction to the magnificence of this holy place. Wanting a brief stop in the Lourdes Grotto to visit the place the Immaculate Conception visited with her title, dashing through the crypt, a familiar face seems out of place in this different state, year and country—a Christmas gift to see this priest!
Where is that Lourdes Grotto in the Immaculate Conception Basilica?
We are delighted and surprised to meet each other, again near a Lourdes Grotto, but half a world away! Father agrees to hear my Confession as a little Christmas Present. We step into a side chapel with an icon of Mother and Child. A stolen moment of grace amidst the time crunch of Advent. The best advice and spiritual direction are given in this unplanned Reconciliation gift!
Where is that Lourdes Grotto in the Immaculate Conception Basilica? 
The Blessed Sacrament exposed for an unexpected meeting! Adoration for a moment this busy time of year is a sure way to keep us clear to follow the Star. Like Wise Men, the smell of incense is the present for Christ so manger like!
Where is that Lourdes Grotto in the Immaculate Conception Basilica?
The Lourdes Grotto in the Basilica Crypt is a place for quiet prayer and reflection.
Just like Bernadette who made her First Confession after the first apparition and First Holy Communion before the last apparition, we can encounter the Sacraments en route to find Our Lady in a Grotto…
Where is that Lourdes Grotto in the Immaculate Conception Basilica?
Near the Real Presence and bringing us to the Sacraments.
Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette, please help me to follow the North Star with the Sacraments to guide me to find Christ in a Manger.
So much is gained from a meeting and visit in the USA capitol. We make it to the airport and the plane departs just as the weather turns…
Christ Is Near—the advent-ure still continues with great joy in Advent!
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