Basilica of the National Shrine of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

So here we are.  52 churches and 52 weeks later, I'm trying to figure out how to sum up this year.  Tambourines?  Favorite guides to the New Roman Missal?  Odometer readings?  For now, I'll stick to the usual post.

The Basilica is the last stop on the official tour.  They offer a Sunday afternoon mass.  We were reminded to turn off our cell phones so not to disturb the liturgy as someone leaned on a car horn outside and sirens of all kinds blared.  The dome has suffered earthquake damage and the church is full of scaffolding and curtains.  Figures, I have visited many beautiful buildings under construction.  I haven't actually seen the new renovations, been on the tour, or spent any time in the John Paul II garden.  

The crowd trickled in and there was a talented cantor and organ.  Familiar songs seemed a little slow and formal set to organ music.  Apparently there is a sign in the sacristy that says: Danger.  Work Zone.  Hard hat required.  Apparently there is a prayer in there too: Celebrate this Mass as if it were your first Mass.  Celebrate this Mass as if it were your only Mass.  Celebrate this mass as if it were your last Mass.  Put those two ideas together, and you've got the homily.  All in all, a fitting end to one crazy idea.