News & Politics

Don’t Bring Your Selfie Stick to the Canonization Mass

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Republic of Korea

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, part of his three-day visit to DC. If you plan on attending, we suggest you leave your selfie stick at home.

Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA) sent out the complete guide to all things papal visit 2015. Below are the top do’s and don’t’s:

Do

  • Bring your ticket. You can’t get into the secured Catholic University campus area without a ticket issued by the Archdiocese of Washington.
  • Count on metro delays. Just because the Pope’s in town doesn’t mean metro will receive divine intervention.
  • Bring your camera. They’re allowed, but flash photography is not.
  • Bring extra cash. You aren’t allowed to bring your own food or souvenirs into the secured area, but you can conveniently buy all that once inside the perimeters.
  • Dress in business casual. Shorts, ripped jeans, and flip-flops are never appropriate for church.

Don’t

  • Don’t bring weapons of any kind, including—but not limited to—ammunition, explosives, firearms, and mace.
  • Don’t bring anything with weapon potential, including—but not limited to—selfie sticks, toy guns, glass containers, and umbrellas.
  • Don’t be tardy. Sugggested arrival for the 4:15 PM Mass is between 10 AM and 2 PM. All guests must be seated by 3 PM.
  • Don’t bring any gifts for the Holy Father, although it’s a very generous thought.
  • No smoking before or during Mass, but afterward is fair game.
  • Don’t eat inside the church.

Papal Visit Complete Information

For more information, visit popeindc.cua.edu.