Saint John Paul II National Shrine — Attraction in Washington

+JMJ Frequent visits, starting from the opening of this facility constructed to give witness to the life of Pope Saint John Paul II, who was first a devout Christian, then a conscientious, interactive, non-politically correct priest, bishop, cardinal and then a charismatic, Holy Spirit filled and guided Pope of the universal Roman Catholic Church and all people of goodwill, were always inspiring. The initial intention, I believe, was to give the faithful (and even the unChurched) an opportunity to look into the mind and heart of the Church founded by Jesus Christ to give guidance and witness to the expectation of love for and service to God and man. There were at one time interactive programs, videos on the life of Pope John Paul II, and the history of the struggles with persecution of the Church (the people) in Poland, and a little museum which displayed artifacts belonging to the Pope. There were even seasonal exhibits which displayed art from around the world. However, as with other faith-related matters, the novelty wore off and the facility became a deserted building struggling to maintain its existence. Regrettably, not even with the canonization of this beloved Pope, did the Catholic populace rally to support the efforts of education and evangelization. Yet, the dream did not die. The Knights of Columbus organization stepped into the breach trying to breathe Catholic life back into a memorial for an incredible Christian leader. My last visit, before I moved to AZ, was to a building closed to activity, but that didn't diminish my great admiration for what had been intended to be a great memorial to a humble, yet great Servant of the Servants of God, Pope Saint John Paul II. PS...just read some of the posted reviews. Sure wish that I had been able to visit the Shrine after the Knights of Columbus organization stepped in to rejuvenate the Shrine's mission. Well, I do cherish my spiritually rich past visits to the Shrine's little Chapel, and other areas of the Shrine which has just been enriched even more by my reading of the...

This is a place of prayer, an oratory, and a multimedia museum. The museum gives a vivid impression of St. John Paul II as an omnipresent figure in the last part of the previous millenium. As a man born in 1976, I can say that he was almost comically ubiquitous in the late 1990s. The cartoon show Animaniacs had a cameo of what was clearly intended to be seen as this most media-savvy of Popes. He made an appearance with the band U2 on their ZOO TV tour. He was inescapable. The chapel of the Shrine is a showcase of modern mosaics, in a very special liturgical programme guiding worshippers through the history of salvation. The small chapel whose altar houses the relic of his blood features an eschatological mosaic of the Lamb enthroned in the heavenly Jerusalem. This place is an excellent home of silence and prayer. The Knights of Columbus are dedicated supporters of this shrine, and our religious and doctrinal pamphlets are often available free here. If you are a Knight or Lady of the order, you will receive a small replica of St. John Paul II's pontifical crucifix, which is a very nice gift indeed. Remember that any rosaries, crosses, holy cards or other items which are touched to the relic of his blood with the intention of making them "touch" relics become such, and are henceforth to be treated respectfully as third...

The beauty is like no other. A MUST SEE!!!!!

For me, this place was one of my favorites of the locations we visited on our pilgrimage.

It embodies everything that I have ever been told of or taught about this amazing man.

There is such a peaceful and serenity that you receive entering in that is like no other.

We visited this place with 63 kids on a youth pilgrimage. I loved it. The youth really received a lot in this location. I think it was providential that we visited this place last before our 50th anniversary eucharist of the neocatechumenal way. The youth were really touched but his life story.

In this place, I received the news that my grandmother, my mom's mother, was placed in hospice. I received this news right before going into the chapel that holds the relic of the blood of St. John Paul II. The Lord is so merciful that he gave me the news in a place where he knew I would receive his comfort and intercession. I'm grateful for this opportunity. God's plan is better than I can ever imagine, and I'm so very grateful for the graces he bestowed upon me, simply by being there at that time.

Thank you to Tom for his guidance and assistance. The security staff for your kindness.

Please do not forget to be generous and leave a donation for this amazing place.

Thank you...