On July 12, 2025, the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., will host a bilingual half-day retreat dedicated to strengthening Catholic family life. Known as Domestic Church Day, the event is part of the Shrine’s ongoing commitment to supporting marriages and families as foundational pillars of society.
Held during the Jubilee of Hope, this year’s retreat invites couples, parents, and children to come together in prayer, learning, and fellowship. The day’s program will include Mass, confession, a family rosary, and talks tailored for different age groups. Notably, teens will hear from Sr. Veritas of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, while younger children will receive formation inspired by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
The retreat will feature Soren and Ever Johnson, co-founders of Trinity House Community, as the English-language speakers. The Johnsons, authors of Heaven in Your Home, will explore how marriage can become a path to deeper communion and self-gift. Spanish-speaking attendees will be led in reflection by Enrique Soros, who will speak on the family as a “witness to hope.”
“The family should grow accustomed to give witness to the hope that is in them,” St. John Paul II once said.
His vision of the family as the heart of culture and faith continues to shape the mission of the Shrine, which houses his relics and a powerful exhibit, Transformed by the Eucharist, shared with the late Blessed Carlo Acutis.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and registration includes lunch and childcare—$20 per family or $10 per couple. Parking is free. For details and registration, visit DCDJuly2025.eventbrite.com.
