Puerta de la Misericordia

On December 8, 1984, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ground was broken for the first phase of construction of this sacred space for pilgrims. Across the courtyard, an outdoor chapel was being constructed and anchored by an 80-foot bell tower. Inside the chapel walls was installed an inspiring 12-foot bronze work, entitled "Mother & Child," commissioned from noted sculptor, Jerzy Kenar.
On August 22, 1990, Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ground was broken for a main church. "We want this Shrine to be a temple," offered Bishop Norbert Dorsey, "a sacred place to give glory to God and honor to our mother."
The new church was consecrated on August 22, 1993. Pio Cardinal Laghi brought a blessing from Pope John Paul II on this house of pilgrimage.
Visitors look upon the Shrine's signature sculpture of "Mary, Queen of the Universe." Given the commission to create a defining work that would represent Mary, as Queen, acclaimed sculptor Jill Burkee saw as her task: "to breathe life into the rich white marble, evoking a new image of the world's great love, the model of humility, the simple girl of Nazareth."
On June 3, 2009, the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments forwarded the Decree granting the title of Minor Basilica to The National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe and brought new Papal recognition for the Shrine's outstanding ministry to pilgrims throughout the world.