What is a Basilica

Daytona beach, Florida 

What is a basilica?

Basilica is an honorific title bestowed on a church of historical or spiritual importance by the Holy Father. A basilica may be a parish church, a cathedral, or a shrine. Historically, basilica (kingly hall) referred to the architectural style of certain public buildings of the Roman Empire, characterized by a long aisle with a high ceiling supported by columns, and flanked by low-ceiling side aisles. At one end of the axis was an entrance with a portico, usually preceded by a forecourt and loggia, trees, and a foundation; at the other end of the axis was the apse. Upon the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire, many of the old public basilicas were transformed into churches, which became the architectural models for many churches built thereafter, even to the present day. Churches honored with the title Basilica belong to two classes, Major and Minor. There are nine
major basilicas, seven of which are in Rome: The Lateran Basilica of Saint John (The Cathedral Church of Rome and “First and Mother Church of All Churches” from which all basilicas take their name), the Vatican Basilica of Saint Peter, Saint Mary Major, Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls, Saint Lawrence-Outside-the-Walls, Saint Sebastian and the Basilica of the Holy Cross (built by the Mother of Constantine over soil brought from Jerusalem and which enshrines the instruments of the Passion of the Lord Jesus. The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem are also designated as Major Basilicas. Of the major basilicas, four share the title Patriarchal basilicas, being the original and of which there is a Papal Throne (The Lateran Basilica, The Vatican Basilica, Saint Paul Outside-the Walls and Saint Mary Major).

All other basilicas are minor and there are 63 minor basilicas in the United States. There are three basilicas in Florida. In the Diocese of Orlando, there are two minor basilicas, The Basilica of St. Paul the Apostle in Daytona Beach, and now the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. The other basilica is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Considered the pope’s church, the title Basilica carries with it both privileges and obligations. Among the primary privileges are the right to display, both inside and outside, the coat of arms of the pope who designated the church as a basilica, and the display of the Basilica’s own coat of arms, bearing the marks of the principal arms of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the Cathedral Church of the Pope.
In addition, two additional symbols rooted in the papal court, the tintinnabulum and the ombrellino are proper to the church for use and display. The tintinnabulum is a bell which had the practical function of alerting the people to the approach of the Holy Father during papal processions through the streets of Rome. The ombrellino is an elaborate umbrella which would protect the Holy Father from inclement weather. The panels of the ombrellino are made of alternating red and yellow fabric (the papal colors). It is always displayed half-way open to signify that the church is ready to welcome the Holy Father!

Among the obligations of the Basilica Church are to celebrate all Solemnities of the Year on the General Roman Calendar even those which have been transferred or the obligation to attend Mass has been abrogated. The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter (February 22), the Anniversary of the Election and the Installation of the Pope, the Rites surrounding the Death and Burial of the Pope (with the color red proper to Papal mourning), and the Election of the Pope are to be observed with great solemnity within the Basilica. Each Sunday an intercession for the intentions of the Holy Father is to be included. The Rector (or “Canon”) of the Basilica is accorded the title of “Very Reverend,” the first (or proto-canon) carrying that title for his lifetime. The choir garments of the Rector (and other Canons of the Church) are a black cassock with red buttons and trim over which is worn a surplice and a black mozetta with red buttons and trim.

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, proclaims in his pastoral message that an effort is required, “both on the part of the visitors and of the local residents who welcome, to assume an attitude of openness, respect, nearness, trust in such a way that motivated by their desire to meet others, respecting their personal, cultural, and religious diversity, they will be open to dialogue and understanding.” The The Basilica of St. Paul the Apostle, welcomes and continues to serve so many people from near and far.

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Last modified: 07/15/10 09:30:48 AM