Rock Creek Park - Bascilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception - Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land

We all felt like a little exercise this morning so headed to Rock Creek Park

The rain was kind enough to hold off until we were done.

Today is Becky's daughter Anna's birthday and LeeAnne would like to spend the day with her and take her to the art store to buy her birthday gift.  She's quite the artist as is LeeAnne.  After our walk John and I headed to the bus...Metro but only a short ride this time to Brookline.

 to visit the Bascilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  It is the Patronal Church of US Catholica and America's preminent Marian Shrine.  The Shrine was dedicated on Nov 20th, 1959.

 Front Entrance

 Main Church

Dome of gold leaf

 Stunning statues in many side chapels.

as well as mosaics.  This China one caught our eye.  We wandered for several hours admiring all the works of art in all mediums and then headed to the information office to see the best way to get to our next destination.  We could have taken a bus but there was a docent there who was just leaving and lived near the Franciscan Monastery we wanted to visit and she told us to walk with her to her car and she'd drop us off.

And she did, right at the entrance.  The Monastery features replicas of famous Holy Land Shrines.  It is also a working Monastery.  We had a wonderful tour.  Below are just a few representative pictures.

Small chapel in the garden.

In the Rosary Portico or Cloister Walk there are statues and the Stations of the Cross.  Seasonal flowers are in the gardens.  Very serene.  There were lower gardens also.  Beautiful place but we need to head home. We grab a bus to the Metro station and head back to Becky's.  A surprise birthday party is in progress when we return!  The adults are heading for Thai food in the rain while the four girls celebrate.  Good Thai meal and then we return...

to Birthday Cake!  Nothing like giggling 16 year olds!!  The party broke up a couple of hours later.  What a great stay at the Jordans!!  Thank you Becky and Anna!!