National shrine in Washington to build Italian chapel

Published: 2007-05-25

WILMINGTON, Del. (CNS) -- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington contains chapels representing many Catholic ethnic groups in the United States -- with one big exception. "Where is the Italian chapel?" Wilmington Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli has often asked. That very omission is why he, a cardinal and three other bishops of Italian descent are leading a campaign to build an Italian chapel in honor of Our Lady of Pompeii. Italian-Americans are "as strong as any other ethnic community," Bishop Saltarelli said, noting that the lack of an Italian chapel at the national shrine seemed curious at first to a group of bishops including Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, retired archbishop of Philadelphia; Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Va.; Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio; and New York Auxiliary Bishop Robert A. Brucato. The Italian chapel in the Washington shrine, designed by the Rambusch Decorating Co., will be located in the basilica's west foyer. The chapel will be completed in fall 2008. Contributions marked "Italian Chapel" may be sent to: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. N.E., Washington, DC 20017.

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