WHAT IS A BASILICA?

The title dates back to the early Greek and Roman times andreferred to a type of public building. In the 4^th century, Basilicas began tobe used as places of worship. It was during this time that construction of the greatestBasilicas of Rome was started. Today, the term Basilica is a special designation given bythe Holy Father to certain churches because of their antiquity, dignity, historicalimportance or significance as a place of worship.

Q: Are there other Basilicas in the U.S.?

At the time of the designation of St. Lawrence (04/93) there were33 other Basilicas in the United States.

The church must have been consecrated; the liturgical rites(celebration of the Holy Eucharist, sacraments of penance and other sacraments) should beexecuted in an exemplary way with fidelity to liturgical norms, and the activeparticipation of the people of God (parishioners). It should be large enough and theelements required for liturgical celebration (altar, pulpit, and celebrant’s chair)should conform to General Statutes of the Roman missal.

It should have special significance in the diocese. St Lawrence,with its unique dome, is the only church designed and built by the renowned RafaelGuastavino; and is considered the mother church of western North Carolina.

The seasons of the liturgical year should be properly celebratedwith frequent Masses, with sufficient ministers and a choir to assist the faithful insacred music and song.

Q: What are the responsibilities of a Basilica?

Because of the relationship between a Basilica and the HolyFather, Basilicas have the responsibility to promote the study of the documents of theHoly Father and the Holy See, especially those concerning the Sacred Liturgy.

Also, certain days in the liturgical year are to be celebratedwith added solemnity. Among those days are: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter (02/22), theSolemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (06/29) and the anniversary of the election or coronationof the Supreme Pontiff.

Additionally, a Basilica has the responsibility to promote theactive participation of the Faithful in the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, especiallyMorning and Evening Prayers. Further, approved forms of other devotions should also bepromoted.

Other responsibilities include the taking of great care in thepreparation for and the execution of the celebrations of the Liturgical year, especiallyAdvent, Christmas, Lent and Paschal Time.

During Lent the Roman custom of Stations should beobserved according to local circumstances (see Roman Missal nn. 260-262 regarding Lentenceremonies).

Since liturgical activities, when sung, have a greater nobility,care should be taken that the Faithful be accustomed to sing, especially those parts foundin the Ordinary (Constitution-Sacrosanctum Concilum, n 54; Instruction-MusicamSacrum, March 5, 1967). The degree also directs that the word of God be faithfullypreached in homilies and special sermons.

An outward sign and privilege that comes to a Basilica is thehonor and opportunity to display the Pontifical seal. This is the seal of the Papacy andits dominant feature is the crossed keys, which symbolize the keys to the kingdom whichare held by the Supreme Pontiff, the successor to St. Peter.

The Pontifical seal may be displayed on the façade (exterior) ofthe Basilica of St. Lawrence, and in banners, and may also be used in the seal of theBasilica and on stationery.

Basilicas have certain privileges such as granting of plenaryindulgences to the faithful who come to the Basilica to participate in the celebration ofspecific days. At the Basilica of St. Lawrence those days are:

1. Anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica (10/01)
2. Feast of St. Lawrence (08/10)
3. Soleminity of St. Peter and Paul (06/29)
4. Anniversary of the date of granting the title of Basilica (04/06)
5. Once a year on a day chosen by each individual
6. Election day

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