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The modern Basilica has a tragic history: October 23, 1970 a pilot purposely crashed his plane into the old church.  The ensuing fire destroyed the building.

The new structure, which can seat 1,800 people was dedicated April 19, 1980.

It was dedicated as a "National Shrine" March 24, 1998 and designated as a Basilica June 12, 1999.

The alter and sanctuary of the Basilica.

The East Cloisters from across the lawn.

The East Cloisters from the entrance near the front of the Basilica.

The main entrance.

Holy Water fountain near the main entrance.

A tile mosaic on an exterior wall near the front entrance to the East Cloisters.  It rests above the old Holy Water fountain, which is about an eighth of the size of the new one.

The West Cloisters.

North side of the Basilica with a new tapestry hanging from the alcove.

The first station of the Cross. Jesus receives the condemnation to be crucified.

 The "Way of the Cross" was dedicated October 6, 1993.  Fourteen stations of the Cross are depicted by 30 life-size bronze statues placed along a 3/4 mile walkway that circles the basilica.

Second station: Jesus takes the Cross.

Third station: Jesus falls under the weight of the Cross.

Notice ribbons, bracelets, amulets, candles and other mementos left by visitors as they progressed, leaving their prayers and offerings at each station.

Fourth station:  Jesus meets his mother.  The presence of Mary was a great consolation to Jesus as he carried the Cross toward Calvary.

Fifth station:  Jesus is helped by Simon.

Sixth station:  Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face.

Jesus rewarded the compassionate gesture of Veronica.

Sixth station:  Detail of Jesus.

Seventh station:  Jesus Falls for the Second Time.

Even though Jesus was helped, he fell a second time.

Eighth station:  Jesus Consoles the Women.

In spite of his suffering, Jesus has a few words of comfort for the women who see him pass.

Ninth station:  Jesus Falls for the Third Time.

Jesus' strength fails him for the third time and he falls again.

Tenth station:  Jesus is Stripped of His Clothes.

Jesus'  was stripped of His dignity when His clothes were taken.

Tenth station:  Detail of Jesus' face.

Tenth station:  Detail of Jesus' hand.

The bronze statues have become worn or broken since they were put up in 1993.  This is a new finger on the hand of Jesus.

Eleventh station:  Jesus is Crucified.

Jesus is nailed to the cross as one of three criminals condemned to death on this day.

Eleventh station: detail

Twelfth station:  Jesus Dies on the Cross.

God so loved the world that he sent his only son to be our savior.

Thirteenth station:  Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross.

Mary, his mother, is beside Him in the hour of His death to receive His body.

Fourteenth station:  Jesus is Buried

Vicki and Gail remained at the first station of the cross for what we assumed was intense, thoughtful prayer while Jim and I walked the fourteen stations  around the perimeter of the Basilica.