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El Pilar Foundation

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Our mission is to honor and spread devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar, unite the Hispanic community around faith, and culminate with the permanent presence of her image in a prominent and visible location in the Crypt Oratory of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Official Celebration

El Pilar Foundation and its Executive Chairman, Don José Alberto Sanchis, cordially invite you to the Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Day and Our Lady of the Pillar.
Sunday October 18, 2026, 14:30 p.m.

Read the official statement.

Holy Mass presided by Sponsoring Bishop Monseñor Luis Miguel Romero
Titular Bishop of Egara and Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre

In case you cannot attend, we will stream the Mass.

If you would like to collaborate or participate in any way, please select one of the following options: 

Volunteer
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Why Our Lady of Pilar?

Our Lady of Pilar is one of the oldest and most beloved Marian devotions in the Hispanic world. Her “pillar” symbolizes steadfastness in faith, hope in adversity, and the bonds that unite people and generations. From Zaragoza, Spain, her devotion has traveled with Hispanic communities throughout centuries, taking root strongly in the United States today.

Enthroning an image of Our Lady of Pilar in Washington, D.C., recognizes the history and contribution of the Hispanic community to the religious, cultural, and social life of the country.

Our History

Over the years, the Foundation has promoted liturgical and cultural events, and institutional alliances that have taken concrete steps toward achieving this goal.

  • 2012

    The Metropolitan Chapter of Zaragoza, through its Dean-President, formally expressed its support for the project in a letter addressed to the Archbishop of Washington.

  • 2013

    The Zaragoza Chapter presented the Foundation with an image of Our Lady of Pilar and her mantle for veneration in Washington, D.C.

  • 2013

    Mass and enthronement of the image at St. Matthew's Cathedral (Washington, D.C.), as part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Day.

  • 2014

    Recognition and dissemination in Catholic media about the presence of Our Lady of Pilar in Washington and the progress of the project.

Throughout this time, the image has been venerated in churches throughout the Archdiocese of Washington, bringing together families, communities, and cultural ministries that express the richness of our roots.

Location

In order to respect the configuration of the images and symbols of the Basilica, and after studying with its Management, we will place the image of the Virgin of Pilar in the Crypt, since this location has a deep spiritual and symbolic meaning, since there are the pillars that support the Basilica, as a sign of firmness in the faith that welcomes all Spanish-speaking peoples present in the nation.

Documents