Did you know that the cornerstone of this very church the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family was blessed by Pope John Paul II himself? That was in 1979 a truly momentous occasion.
Before you stands the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family a breathtaking testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian-American community. It wasn’t built overnight. This magnificent shrine is the culmination of a long and fascinating journey.
In 1949 Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky recognizing the need for a Ukrainian Catholic presence in Washington DC established Holy Family Parish. The first priest Father Vladimir Wozniak had a deep devotion to the Holy Family a devotion that shaped the parish’s very name and its destiny. The early years were challenging. The parish moved four times before finally finding its current location in 1975.
Imagine the dedication it took. Three acres of land were acquired a monumental undertaking. On that land overlooking the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception a vision began to take shape. Bishop Basil H Losten officially designated the project the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family.
The Great Upper Church was completed in 1999 a stunning achievement that crowned decades of effort. The lower church’s cornerstone a powerful symbol of faith had already been blessed by Pope John Paul II ten years earlier. This church the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family isn’t just a building. It’s a living symbol of a community’s unwavering faith.
Today the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family serves as a beacon of hope a place of worship pilgrimage and community for Ukrainian Catholics across America. It’s a vibrant hub for spiritual growth and a powerful reminder of the richness of Ukrainian culture and heritage.
The Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family stands as a profound symbol of faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of a community that has shaped a significant piece of American religious history. It is more than just a church it is a home a sanctuary and a testament to the unwavering strength of the human spirit.