This shrine celebrates Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception, which celebrates the fact that Mary was conceived without Original Sin so that she might be worthy to bear in her womb the Son of God.

Under this title, Mary has served as the patroness of the United States since 1846 when the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore petitioned Rome for this honor. Mary Immaculate has also served as the patroness of the Saint Mary's Seminary and University since its founding in 1791.

Pope John Paul II prayed in this shrine on September 26, 1969, when he was still Cardinal Wojtyla. You'll find this sign on the left wall of the shrine.

To the left of the shrine are four windows dedicated to Saints of the Americas. Click on the shrine photo to see them.