The Catholic archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, greets the choir as meals are provided to church attendees after Mass on Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
A processional makes its way to the altar as Catholic Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl (below) celebrates Mass for more than 3,500 — including Chidubem Nwabineli (right), 6, and his sister, Chinemelum, 8, of Bowie — on Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl departs after leading a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl sings along with a choir as meals are given out to church attendees following Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl departs after leading a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Pat Beronio of Martinsville, NJ. looks up at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception after Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl leads a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Church attendees get a look at a Christmas manger scene before Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl leads a congregation of 4,000 in Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
The Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl, right, begins the Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, left, sings along with his wife Callista, right, as she and the rest of the The Basilica Choir makes their way to the main altar for the start of Solemn Mass of Christmas Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 25, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
