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Many surrounded by family and faith as they wait for Santa

Betsy Durant leans on her faith and family every day and especially during this time as she remembers the love of her life and the many holidays they spent together.

WASHINGTON — Inside the National Basilica, you can find many families surrounded by their loved ones and by their faith. 

For some, Christmas Eve mass is a tradition. For Colleen Salonga, it’s her first time inside the Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in North America.

She brought her sister and two nephews who are visiting from California.

“I don’t see my sister and her boys that often. Christmas is about love family, faith not about the material goods.” Salonga, said. 

For others, the holidays can be difficult. Betsy Durant lost her husband five years ago. She is constantly praying for strength.

“I’m a widow and I’m always praying I keep going." Dant said

Durant leans on her faith and family, every day and especially, during this time, as she remembers the love of her life and the many holidays they spent together.

“I’m doing okay. Thank you for asking. I still get teary, you see.” Durant said. 

Whether you are spending Christmas with family or by yourself.

The church doors are always open.

Full mass schedule here.

WATCH NEXT: DMV Morning Forecast December 25 | Partly cloudy Christmas day with showers moving in late

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