“Les Colombes” (The Doves)

The Cathedral is grateful to artist Michael Pendry for allowing us to introduce Washington to “Les Colombes,” his immersive and beautiful exhibit that pointed us all toward peace.

The exhibit is now closed and tickets are no longer available. We invite you to explore the photos, learn about Pendry’s artistic vision, and add your own dove to join our virtual flock.

Special thanks to the German Foreign Office and the German Bishops Conference for their financial support to bring “Les Colombes” to Washington.

Doves Online Offerings

Hope Floats: A Night of Storytelling

Join us for an online encore presentation of a night of storytelling about hope, renewal, and light in the Cathedral’s nave.

watch now >

Online Vigil of Hope

Enjoy an online encore performance of an evening vigil that acknowledged through word and music the sorrow of this past year as we turn our collective gaze toward the hope rooted deeply in our faith.

watch now >

Help Share the Hope

It’s been a long, dark year, and we could all use a little hope.

Across cultures and religious traditions, doves represent hope, peace and rebirth. Many of the over 2,000 paper doves that make up “Les Colombes” at the Cathedral are inscribed with hopeful and prayerful messages.

We invite you to write a message of hope — for yourself, for your family or for our nation — and we’ll add it to the Cathedral’s virtual flock. Together, these gentle messengers of peace will point the way to a new day of renewal.

Add your #CathedralDoves message of hope below:

Your Message of Hope*
May we share your message?
Yes, I'm open to the Cathedral sharing my message of hope with others.
Email*
First Name
First Name
Location
ZIP Code (or country of residence if not applicable)

just for fun

Fold your own paper dove!

1. Grab a piece of paper and write your own inspirational or hopeful message

2. Download the PDF step-by-step pattern instruction guide based on Michael Pendry’s Les Colombes

3. Fold into a dove and either hang it up or give it to a loved one

download guide

support us

Spread Hope with a Gift

In these uncertain times, your support is needed now more than ever. Your gift will support Cathedral ministries, programs, and all the work of restoration and renewal that takes place here.

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