For generations, the carnation has been used as a symbol of love on Mother’s Day. At the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, one of the country’s largest displays of this love takes place each year.

On Mother’s Day, the Shrine is engulfed in a sea of carnations. An estimated 65,000 carnations are expected to decorate the Shrine’s Church and Outdoor Amphitheatre this year.

Each carnation honors a different mother of a friend of the Missionary Oblates. These carnations are a wonderful visualization that a mother’s love is everlasting.

Visitors to the Shrine can view the entire display from May 8-9. Special Mother’s Day Masses at the Shrine will be held at 5:00 p.m. on May 8 and at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on May 9.