Immaculate Conception Day

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Worshippers' welcome: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in all its grandeur (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

Volunteers Brianna Melendez, 13 (L) and sister Noelia, 10, help decorate one of the lower chapels at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

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Volunteers help decorate The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

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Volunteers help decorate one of the lower chapels at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

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Volunteers help decorate The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

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Volunteers help decorate the Crypt Church at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in preparation for Christmas. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)

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The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., is decorated for the Christmas season. (Lloyd Villas/The Washington Times)