Arrival Day. Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The advance team gathered for morning mass at this magnificent church. Built between 1866 and 1877, it rests atop the Grotto rock. It's altar sits directly above the site of Mary's apparitions. Built directly beneath are two other churches, The Crypte Church and the Rosary Basilica. Celebrating mass this morning is Fr Jim Heft, SM from USC with concelebrants Msgr Steve Otellini and Fr. Reginald Martin, OP. Fr Heft spoke about the beautiful image of Christ as the vine and His Church as its' branches. The message of finding life in Christ will be continually reminded to us over the comign days, through the presence of our malades who come to the Grotto below and the healing waters that flow from it.