Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

[Almazar80]

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States. It's a great place to visit photographically. Several churches within the cathedral building. This is the main church.

1. By the entrance



2. Towards the altar



3. Looking Back




Thanks for looking.

[jbtaylor]

I'll take #2.
Very nice.
JT

[sury]

Nice shots. Pardon my ignorance. What is the significance of the "bowl" in the first one?
I presumed it is significant enough to figure in the image.

Sury

[Almazar80]

About the bowl of holy water. Traditionally, when you enter (and leave) the church, you are supposed to touch the water and make the sign of the cross across your upper torso (and forehead) as a sign of repentance, protection against evil, and as a remembrance of one's baptism.

[sury]

Aah, thank you. I was about to comment the incongruity of that bowl with the rest of the image.
Now I see the relevance and how it is tied to the overall image. Good thing I did not rush into a
judgment.