Celebrate the Joy of Christmas at OLV

JOY TO THE WORLD!  The Christmas season is a time when we open our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family, friends and other members of our faith. 

We are hopeful that, this year, you will join us at OLV National Shrine & Basilica.  In addition to the traditional Masses – both online and in-person – you are cordially invited to the following special events in honor of the Shrine’s ongoing Centennial Celebration.

Special Events

• SACRED STORIES IN GLASS: STAINED-GLASS WINDOW EXHIBIT (Dec. 1 - Jan. 5) – make your way to the lower level of the Shrine and get the rare opportunity to view some of the Basilica's stained-glass windows up close. Have your breath taken away by their beauty, learn about the Buffalo-based artist who created them and the local team working to restore them, and enjoy kids’ activities and crafts.  The exhibit is free and available for viewing M-F between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., on Saturday between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and, on Sunday between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
   
• NATIVITY SET EXHIBIT (Dec.1 - Jan. 5) - It's back at the Basilica and in its new, permanent location! More than 100 nativity sets from around the world, part of Father Roy Herberger’s unique collection, will be on display in the lower level of the Shrine.  This wonderful Christmas tradition is a must-see. The exhibit is free and available for viewing M-F between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., on Saturday between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and, on Sunday between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
   
• ADVENT EVENING OF REFLECTION (Dec. 4) - Start the Advent Season off right with an evening of reflection on Wednesday, December 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join us as Father Matthew Foley, OFM Conventual and President of St. Francis High School, comes to share an Advent reflection to help prepare our hearts for Christmas. All are welcome. This event will take place in the main church and be followed by social time in the Brevnik Community Room (lower level of the Shrine).
   
• FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS (Dec. 15) – For the fourth year, we will celebrate the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Basilica. Join us at 7 p.m. for this FREE family-friendly evening of Scripture and song. Tickets are not required.
   
• KIDS' NIGHT UNDER THE DOME (Jan. 4) - Calling all kids & families ... bring a blanket or sleeping bag & wear your comfy clothes and experience the Basilica in a whole new way.  At this event, you'll enjoy: Christmas carol sing-a-longs, kid-friendly activities like coloring crafts and a scavenger hunt, and pizza and hot cocoa. The best part? It's free! REGISTER TODAY AT https://bit.ly/2025OLVKidsNightUndertheDome 
   

Mass Times

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES (Tuesday, Dec. 24):

• Vigil Masses at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Midnight Mass
  • Choral prelude to Midnight Mass begins at 11:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES (Wedneseday, Dec. 25):

• 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and noon

MASSES FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD:

• Tuesday, Dec. 31 - Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 1 - 8 a.m. and noon