Washington, DC | August 26, 2026
Washington, DC | August 26, 2026
Washington, DC | August 26, 2026
Here, nestled in the trees next to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, is a place for people to come away and pray like John Paul II used to.
The celebration began with Mass at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, celebrated by Archbishop William E. Lori. Following Mass, guests processed at the new Retreat House for its formal blessing and ribbon-cutting.
Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore delivers the homily during a Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Queen of Poland, at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore leads the Eucharistic prayer, together with concelebrating priests, during a Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Queen of Poland, at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore processes from the Saint John Paul II National Shrine to the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center following a Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Queen of Poland, during the grand opening of the retreat center on Aug. 26 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore leads a prayer of consecration during the grand opening of the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center on Aug. 26 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore asperses the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center during its grand opening on Aug. 26 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly speaks during the grand opening of the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center on Aug. 26 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
From left, Stephen White, executive director of the Saint John Paul II National Shrine; Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore; Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly; Supreme Advocate Anthony Picarello Jr.; and Bogdan Klich, Polish chargé d’affaires ad interim to the United States, cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center on Aug. 26 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
From left, Stephen White, executive director of the Saint John Paul II National Shrine; Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore; Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly; Supreme Advocate Anthony Picarello Jr.; and Bogdan Klich, Polish chargé d’affaires ad interim to the United States, cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center on Aug. 26 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Avi Gerver)
At the dedication Mass, Archbishop William E. Lori reflected on St. John Paul II’s devotion to making pilgrimages to Jasna Gora, Poland.
“May this be a place where countless retreatants learn, as did John Paul II, how to trust completely in the Providence of God.”
COME VISIT
THE DOORS ARE OPEN FOR YOU
Enjoy a peaceful retreat in the heart of Washington, DC, right next door to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.
CONTACT US: (202) 635-5401 | retreathouse@jp2shrine.org
JPII Shrine | Facebook | Instagram
© 2026. All Rights Reserved. Created by Fuzati.
