Thomas Tweed demonstrates that the National Shrine provides a highly illuminating site from which to tell the story of Catholicism in the U.S. He organizes his narrative around six themes that, he contends, characterize American Catholicism: building institutions, mobilizing women, engaging children, contesting Protestants, claiming civic space, and incorporating immigrants. The Basilica of the National Shrine competes for attention on the Washington skyline with more familiar monuments, but it always stands out. Tweed masterfully explores its deep religious and cultural meanings for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.