Have you ever considered what truly defines a basilica as a basilica? These important churches, recognized by the pope and elevated above other churches, carry specific obligations and certain titles of distinction.
Primarily, like any ecclesiastical structure, basilicas hold a vital position in the sacramental existence of the Church. Nevertheless, basilicas can also act as pilgrimage destinations, possess historical importance, and accommodate invaluable sacred artwork. Some are distinguished urban hubs of ecclesiastical activity, similar to diocesan cathedrals; others serve as shrines; while some are located in less frequented areas. Among the approximately 1,800 minor basilicas worldwide, the United States is home to 89. Join Our Sunday Visitor as we explore a selection, featuring both the first and one of the most recently recognized in our nation, and discover others along the journey.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist | Savannah, Georgia
Diocese of Savannah, Designated basilica: 2020
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One of the most recently constructed basilicas in the United States is the diocesan Cathedral of St. John the Baptist located in Savannah, Georgia. It is designated as the 15th current diocesan cathedral. The city of Savannah initially forbade Catholics from residing there, apprehensive about their loyalty to Spanish colonists as opposed to the English Protestants who ruled the Georgia colony. French Catholic refugees fleeing the Haitian Revolution in the 1790s founded the first parish in Savannah. The existing edifice, completed in 1899, is the second version of the building, as the first was nearly destroyed by fire. Due to the basilica’s magnificent and extensive murals, it is often referred to as the “Sistine of the South,” drawing a parallel to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Located just off Lafayette Square in the city, Savannah’s basilica, characterized by its whitewashed stucco facade and dual bell towers, is a landmark for both residents and visitors. The American writer Flannery O’Connor, whose literary works were deeply influenced by her Catholic beliefs, was baptized here in 1925.
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Basilica of Saint Lawrence | Asheville, North Carolina
Diocese of Charlotte, Designated basilica: 1993
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The Basilica of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, located in the heart of Asheville, is notable for its art and design. Finished as a parish church in 1909, the basilica was envisioned and built by renowned Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, whose creations can be seen in locations such as New York City’s Grand Central Station and Grant’s Tomb. Guastavino’s unique tile arch system is showcased in the basilica’s iconic domed ceiling, acknowledged as the largest free-standing elliptical dome in North America. The structure’s construction distinctly employs neither wood nor steel, relying solely on tile and other masonry materials. The basilica’s reredos behind the primary altar showcases a 17th-century crucifixion scene crafted from hand-carved walnut. Close to the chapel dedicated to Our Lady lies the entrance to the basilica’s crypt, where architect Guastavino is laid to rest.
What is a basilica?
A basilica takes its name from a large municipal building found in ancient Roman architecture. In them, court was held, as well as other major official public events. True to the Roman architectural form, but constructed to a smaller scale, residential palatial basilicas also were built. After Christianity was legalized and made the official religion of the empire under Constantine, many civic basilicas were converted into churches.
In ecclesiastical terminology, the term basilica has become an honorific used to denote a church building of special significance. This would typically relate to the basilica’s historical importance or noteworthy artistic character. The title of “basilica” is granted by the pope and has a special spiritual bond with his office.
Major and minor basilicas both exist, and there are only four of the former, all in Rome: Basilica of St. Peter (Vatican City), Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, Basilica of St. Mary Major and Basilica of St. John Lateran (the pope’s cathedral, also styled uniquely as an archbasilica). The latter three are all in Rome but are considered extraterritorial Vatican property. Any other basilica is given the title “minor basilica.”
Carmel Mission Basilica of St. Charles Borromeo | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Diocese of Monterey, Designated basilica: 1960
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Several U.S. basilicas have significant ties to the lives of saints or individuals aspiring for canonization. The Carmel Mission Basilica of St. Charles Borromeo notably stands as the burial site for the first saint canonized on American soil (2015) — St. Junipero Serra, who established the California mission network. Serra favored this mission due to its closeness to California’s then-capital in Monterey. The present structure was erected in 1797, subsequently handed over by the Franciscan friars to the Diocese of Monterey in 1884. Since that time, it has functioned as a parish church. The mission’s bell and bell tower are the only original features that have survived among the existing California missions. Additionally, the mission is home to California’s first library, composed of books that were brought to colonial California by the friars.
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Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius | Danville, Pennsylvania
Diocese of Harrisburg, Designated basilica: 1989
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Women religious have significantly influenced ecclesial life in America, especially in the realms of education and health care. The Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius is the sole American basilica that functions exclusively as the motherhouse chapel for a women’s religious order. Established to serve Slovak-American communities, the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius made Danville their home ten years following their formation in 1909. The sisters later founded a boarding school for girls at their motherhouse, referred to as Villa Sacred Heart. The future basilica was constructed to function both as the chapel for the school and the primary chapel for the religious community. Consecrated in 1939, during the Great Depression, the church stands as a symbol of the generosity of working-class Slovak immigrants.
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Basilica of St. Mary | Minneapolis
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Designated basilica: 1926
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Established to enhance the Twin Cities’ Cathedral of St. Paul, the Basilica of St. Mary rises as a magnificent structure in the heart of Minneapolis. Commissioned by the notable archbishop of St. Paul, John Ireland (1838-1918), the present building replaced the earlier Immaculate Conception parish that was founded in 1868. Built between 1907 and 1915, the basilica was crafted by Franco-American architect Emmanuel Masqueray, who also designed the cathedral in St. Paul, along with cathedrals in Wichita, Kansas, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In the year marking America’s 150th anniversary, the nation welcomed its first basilica when St. Mary’s was proclaimed as such in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. When Minneapolis was designated as a joint see city in 1966, the basilica was named co-cathedral for the newly established Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It continues to function as a vibrant parish today.
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Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle | San Juan, Texas
Diocese of Brownsville, Designated basilica: 1999
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A number of basilicas across the nation serve as national shrines. One of the most prominent among these is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception situated in Washington, D.C., along with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption located in Baltimore, Maryland — which is also recognized as America’s inaugural cathedral. The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in San Juan, Texas, honors the Blessed Mother under the title “Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos.” This designation pertains to a miraculous statue of the Immaculate Conception that enjoys widespread reverence in both Mexico and Texas. The devotion to the statue was introduced to San Juan in 1949 by priests affiliated with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and ultimately, a replica statue was enshrined. In 1970, a light aircraft collided with the shrine, leading to its devastation (the statue and the Blessed Sacrament were salvaged). The present structure was consecrated a decade later and was granted the title of minor basilica in 1999.
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Basilica of St. Francis Xavier | Vincennes, Indiana
Diocese of Evansville, Designated basilica: 1970
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Established by Jesuit missionaries in 1734, Indiana’s oldest parish is home to the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. The existing brick edifice, which was built in 1826, became the cathedral of the freshly formed Diocese of Vincennes in 1834 (which encompassed the state of Indiana and a section of eastern Illinois, including Chicago). The diocesan headquarters was eventually moved to Indianapolis. Several of the initial diocesan bishops are interred in the basilica crypt, among them Bishop Simon Bruté, who was referred to as “the most learned man in America” by President John Quincy Adams, and for whom an active canonization process has been underway since 2005. During a visit to Vincennes in 1891, Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore remarked on Bruté: “Worthy citizens of Vincennes, you need not go on pilgrimages to visit the tombs of saints. There is one resting here among you, namely, the saintly founder of this diocese, Right Reverend Simon Bruté.” Indiana’s inaugural cathedral was designated as its first basilica in 1970 by Pope St. Paul VI.
How does a church become a basilica?
The process of having a church named a basilica usually begins with a lengthy, detailed application process, including a request from the church’s diocesan bishop, although he relies on officials and volunteers affiliated with the church for assistance. The request is then submitted to the Holy See for consideration, along with a letter of support from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
At the request of the Holy See, certain requirements are necessary before a church can be named a basilica. Basilicas should maintain an active sacramental life, especially regarding the Eucharist and penance. They should be staffed by a sufficient number of clergy and lay ministers, and a decent-sized sanctuary and space for worshippers should facilitate well-executed liturgies. The potential basilica should also be marked by a special renown. This means it should be a place of pilgrimage, have ties to a notable historical event or time period, or serve as home to particular relics or sacred images venerated by the faithful. The church’s historical significance and the quality of its art also are considered when deciding if a church is fit for designation as a basilica.
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception | Natchitoches, Louisiana
Diocese of Alexandria, Designated basilica: 2009
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Natchitoches, Louisiana, derives its name from a Native American tribe and lends its name to the renowned meat pies influenced by Spanish cuisine, which is also recognized as one of the official state foods of Louisiana. The city was established by French immigrants with the founding of Fort St. Jean Baptiste. Established in 1728, it continues to function as an active parish in Natchitoches, with the existing edifice being the sixth church within the parish. Building work began during the Civil War, but it was not finalized for many years. The church acted as the diocesan cathedral until 1910 for the Diocese of Natchitoches, which subsequently relocated its headquarters to Alexandria, Louisiana. Similar to numerous suppressed dioceses, Natchitoches is now a titular see. When bishops are ordained for roles other than serving as the diocesan bishop, they are assigned the title of one of these “defunct” see cities. At present, Archbishop Joseph Marino, head of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, holds the title of ritual archbishop of Natchitoches.
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Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory | Lackawanna, New York
Diocese of Buffalo, Designated basilica: 1926
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New York is the state with the highest number of basilicas, totaling nine. The Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna is the first in the state and is only the second church to receive basilica status in the United States. Rising dramatically from the ashes of a fire that severely affected St. Patrick’s parish church, this grand building stands as a testament to resilience. In 1921, the 75-year-old pastor, Father Nelson Baker, aimed to construct a magnificent structure to pay homage to the Blessed Mother. His dedication to Mary under the title Our Lady of Victory began during his seminary days after he visited a shrine with the same name in Paris. The basilica became the centerpiece of Father Baker’s “city of charity” in Lackawanna, which also featured facilities for infants, unwed mothers, nurses, a hospital, an orphanage, and various educational institutions. Father Baker was reinterred at the basilica in 1999 and was granted the title of venerable in 2011.
What are the expectations of a basilica?
Certain duties and obligations are attached to a church when it is granted the title “basilica.” Most importantly, a basilica should be considered a center for exemplary and beautiful liturgies, enhanced by well-executed music and singing. Additionally, special attention should be given to the seasons of the Church year, as well as celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. Basilicas also are expected to promote Christian formation and study. It is recommended that groups are formed for teaching the Faith and study of papal and other Church documents, especially related to liturgy.
Since basilicas have a special connection to the pope, they are expected each year to celebrate with fitting solemnity three important feast days related to the pope: the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle (Feb. 22); the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles (June 29); and the anniversary of the Supreme Pontiff’s election or inauguration into the supreme ministry (for Pope Francis, March 13).
Basilica of Saint Mary | Alexandria, Virginia
Diocese of Arlington, Designated basilica: 2017
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Every basilica carries its own narrative and possesses a distinct historical heritage. The Basilica of St. Mary in Old Town Alexandria is no different. Established in 1795 by Jesuit Father Francis Neale, this Alexandria church continues to serve an active congregation and is recognized as the first parish in the commonwealth. When influential Catholics in the contemporary D.C. metropolitan area started raising funds to construct Virginia’s inaugural permanent parish church, George Washington — who resided nearby at his Mount Vernon estate — even contributed. The present-day edifice of St. Mary primarily dates back to 1826, and it was designated a minor basilica in 2017. The parish cemetery, the commonwealth’s initial Catholic burial site, contains the remains of veterans from the Revolutionary, Civil, and various other conflicts.
Michael R. Heinlein is editor of OSV’s Simply Catholic. He writes from Indiana.
What honors are granted to a basilica?
Some of the honors afforded to basilicas are related to the use of specific symbols.
Any church can have a coat of arms, according to the terms of ecclesiastical heraldry. Basilicas, because of their connection to the pope, are granted the ability to use the papal “crossed keys,” displayed most frequently on the basilica’s coat of arms.
A basilica’s coat of arms also is topped by another basilica-related symbol called an umbraculum, or umbrella, which is a piece of historic papal regalia. A minor basilica has one fashioned of red and gold silk for display in the church. Featuring an umbraculum in a basilica is not required according to current directives governing minor basilicas. Neither is the tintinnabulum — a golden bell mounted to a pole that would be featured in a procession should the pope celebrate Mass in the basilica — although both remain commonplace in basilicas by way of tradition. Also, the basilica’s rector, or priest in charge, can choose to wear a piece of special vesture called a mozetta, a shoulder cape made of black with red piping and buttons.
There also are spiritual honors granted to a basilica, namely the ability for the faithful to obtain plenary indulgences on certain dates. These dates include:
On the anniversary of the basilica’s dedication,
On the feast day related to the basilica’s title,
On the solemnity of the apostles Saints Peter and Paul,
On the anniversary of the basilica’s designation,
One day per year on a date determined by the local bishop, and
One day per year on a day freely chosen by a member of the faithful.
