The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

If you are looking for a traditional Roman Catholic mass, look elsewhere. It was more like a Christian concert. Fifteen minutes of music passed before mass began, they bypassed the penitential rites, and it concluded with another series of songs. A little less music and a little more praying was needed.

The Basilica of St. Marys has been my church since 2001. From Father John Dorgan, to Father Earnest Bulinda, and now Father James Curran, I have enjoyed each of them as Priest. The Basilica is the only minor Basilica in Virginia, and the only minor Basilica in the country that is predominately African American. That fact is very important to understand, because the experience you receive from the mass here, is much different than the other parishes in the diocese of Richmond.
What makes St. Marys different is the choir. We have a gospel choir that was started over 30 years ago by the late Father Thomas Quinlin during his time at our parish here. Many people enjoy it, some people think it takes away from the mass, its up for you to decide that. We also no longer have kneelers in the sanctuary. The removal of that, and the center aisle occurred more than 30 years ago during the parishes remodel, its something that I miss having here. But there are kneelers located in St. Josephs Chapel and in the balcony of the church.
St Marys is unlike any other church in Hampton Roads. If you want to avoid large crowds, go during the 5pm mass on Saturday or the noon mass on Sundays, the 9am mass on Sunday typically has 300+ people.