Grace Thompson
There are several Catholic basilicas in the United States, with sources citing anywhere between 84 and 93. A basilica is a church constructed according to a certain ancient Christian floor plan, and the title is accredited by the Holy See. Only a pope can create a minor basilica, and the pope has granted this title to several churches in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic Basilicas in the United States | 84 or 90 or 93 |
| Number of States with Catholic Basilicas | 33 |
| State with the Most Basilicas | New York (8 or 9) |
| Second Most Basilicas in a State | California (7) |
| State with the Third Most Basilicas | Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida (6 each) |
| First Basilica in the United States | Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, New York |
| Year of Designation of the First Basilica | 1921 |
| Year the United States Had No Basilicas | Before 1918 |
| Number of Basilicas Designated Since 1900 | 500 |
| Number of Basilicas in Rome | Many, including 7 of fairly recent construction |
| Number of Basilicas in Italy Outside of Rome | Many |
| Number of Basilicas Elsewhere on the Continent | A good many |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic basilicas in the United States: history and architecture
There are currently 93 Catholic Basilicas in the United States, with New York State boasting the most with eight. A basilica is a church with certain privileges conferred on it by the Pope. Not all churches with "basilica" in their title have this ecclesiastical status, as the term is also used architecturally to describe a church-building style.
History
The term 'basilica' took on a canonical sense in the 18th century, unrelated to the architectural style. Basilicas in this canonical sense are divided into major ("greater") and minor basilicas. Only four basilicas, all in the Diocese of Rome, are classified as major basilicas: the basilicas of St John Lateran, St Peter's, St Paul outside the Walls, and St Mary Major. All other canonical basilicas, over 1,800 in total, are minor basilicas. By canon law, no Catholic church can be honoured with the title of basilica unless by apostolic grant or from immemorial custom.
Architecture
Basilicas are found across the United States, from the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Each basilica showcases a unique architectural style, reflecting the diverse character of the Catholic Church in America. Some basilicas, like the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco, California, feature a blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences, with intricate stained glass windows and ornate carvings. Others, like the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Baltimore, Maryland, exhibit a more modern design, with sleek lines and contemporary features.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colorado, is another example of the architectural diversity found among US basilicas. With its towering spires and intricate stonework, it is an impressive example of the Neo-Gothic style. In contrast, the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, New York, presents a more traditional aesthetic, with a grand portico and classical columns.
The variety of architectural styles among Catholic basilicas in the United States is a testament to the rich history and evolving nature of the Church's presence in the country.
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The role of the Pope in designating minor basilicas
There are currently 93 Catholic Basilicas in the United States. The Pope is responsible for designating minor basilicas, a power that has been exercised by popes over the past two centuries. Pius VI set a precedent in 1783, and since 1900, Roman Pontiffs have elevated hundreds of churches to basilican rank. Minor basilicas are distinguished from major basilicas, of which there are only four, all in the Diocese of Rome. Minor basilicas are granted certain privileges by the Pope, including the use of specific symbols and the right to hold celebrations on certain feast days.
The Pope's role in designating minor basilicas is significant as it confers special honours and privileges upon a church. Canon 1180 states that no church can be called a basilica without an apostolic grant or immemorial custom. The term "basilica" means "royal house" and has both architectural and canonical meanings. Architecturally, a basilica is a church built according to an ancient Christian floor plan. Canonically, a basilica is a church honoured by the Holy See with this title.
The privileges granted to minor basilicas include the use of the basilican bell, the basilican pavilion, and the right to wear specific vestments. The bell and pavilion of a minor basilica must be distinct from those of a major basilica and may not incorporate ornaments or phrases unique to a major basilica. Instead, they feature the colours traditionally associated with the Papal See and the city of Rome: yellow and red silk.
Minor basilicas also have the right to use certain symbols, such as the conopaeum (a baldachin or umbrella-like structure) and the crossed papal keys. These symbols represent the basilica's link to the Pope and his authority. Additionally, minor basilicas are responsible for celebrating specific feast days, such as the Chair of Peter, the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and the anniversary of the Pope's election.
The Pope's designation of a minor basilica elevates the status of a church and bestows upon it certain honours and responsibilities. It is a way to recognise and honour a church within the Catholic Church, granting it special privileges and distinguishing it from other churches.
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State-wise distribution of basilicas
There are a total of 93 Catholic Basilicas in the United States, with 33 states and the District of Columbia having at least one church designated as a basilica. The number of basilicas varies from state to state, with some states having more than others. Here is a state-wise distribution of the basilicas:
New York
New York has the most basilicas of any state, with eight basilicas in total. These include the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, the Basilica of St. James in Jamestown, and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, Virginia.
California
California is home to seven basilicas, including the Basilica of St. Joseph in Alameda, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose, the Mission Basilica of San Diego de Alcala in San Diego, and the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco.
Ohio and Pennsylvania
Both Ohio and Pennsylvania have six basilicas each. In Ohio, there is the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey. Pennsylvania's basilicas include the Basilica of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe and the Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Danville.
Florida
With six basilicas, Florida is tied with Pennsylvania. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, and the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach are among Florida's basilicas.
Other States
Several other states have basilicas as well, including Alabama, with the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile; Illinois, with the Basilica of Queen of All Saints in Chicago; Indiana, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hanover; and Louisiana, with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis King of France in New Orleans.
The distribution of basilicas across the United States showcases the presence of these significant churches in various regions of the country, with New York and California having the highest concentrations.
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Basilicas with unique structural features
There are 93 Catholic Basilicas in the United States. The term "basilica" refers to a church with certain privileges bestowed by the Pope. It is derived from Roman public buildings used for legal proceedings and civic activities. Over time, the design was adapted for religious purposes, becoming a primary form of church architecture in early Christianity.
While basilicas share common structural elements, regional variations exist. For instance, in the Eastern Mediterranean, domes were incorporated into traditional basilica forms, while in Western Europe, massive stone constructions with intricate carvings prevailed.
Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota:
The Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis is the first basilica established in the United States, recognised in 1926. It showcases a blend of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, featuring a marble exterior and a majestic interior adorned with mosaics and murals.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Baltimore, Maryland:
This basilica, recognised in 1937, is the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after the American Revolution. It combines a neoclassical exterior with a Renaissance-inspired interior, featuring a coffered dome and Corinthian columns.
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Denver, Colorado:
Recognised in 2001, this basilica showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, including Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements. Its most striking feature is a 135-foot bell tower housing the "Bell of Confessions," which is rung to symbolise unity and peace.
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco, California:
Located in the North Beach neighbourhood of San Francisco, this basilica is recognised in 1952. It boasts a distinctive Italian Renaissance style, featuring a replica of the Porziuncola Chapel in Assisi, Italy. The interior is adorned with intricate frescoes and mosaics depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, St. Louis, Missouri:
Recognised in 1997, this basilica is the oldest Catholic church west of the Mississippi River. It features a unique blend of Federal and Gothic Revival architecture, with a striking portico and a spacious interior adorned with intricate stained glass windows.
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Basilicas with significant cultural influence
There are 93 Catholic Basilicas in the United States, with New York boasting the most in any single state, with eight. The following Basilicas have had a significant cultural influence in the US:
Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa
Named a basilica in 1956, it is a testament to the German Catholic influence in the American church.
Basilica of St. James, Jamestown, North Dakota
The small town of Jamestown is dominated by the massive Gothic structure of St. James, which was consecrated as a basilica in 1989.
Basilica of Our Lady of Gethsemani, Kentucky
This basilica, consecrated in 1949, is the church of the first Trappist community of monks in the United States, whose most famous member was Thomas Merton.
Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
St. Josaphat's Basilica became the third American church to be designated a basilica in 1929. This was a tribute to the influence of Polish Catholicism in the region.
Basilica of Our Lady of Victory, Lackawanna, New York
Our Lady of Victory was the third American church to be designated a basilica, in 1926. It was built through the efforts of Venerable Monsignor Nelson Baker, who wanted to erect a Marian shrine.
Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, New Orleans, Louisiana
This basilica represents one of the oldest dioceses in the country. It was consecrated in 1961.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 93 Catholic Basilicas in the United States.
New York has the most basilicas of any state, with eight or nine basilicas.
Some examples of Catholic basilicas in the United States include the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
In architecture, a basilica is a church constructed according to a certain ancient Christian floor plan. In canonical language, a basilica is a church that has been accredited with that name as a title of honour by the Holy See. Only a pope can create a minor basilica.
