Basilicas

What do I know about basilicas? Good question!

Well, it is a church…right?

I know I have been in some…I think they were basilicas.

Maybe I should do some research.

(fade to music while I do my research)

I know a bit more now….but also I get more confused the more I research.

It seems there are basilicas called that because of their architectural design (same basic floor plan as Roman Public Buildings in ancient times).

Then there are basilicas within the hierarchy of Catholic churches…major basilicas, minor basilicas, pilgrimage basilicas. They may or may not have the Roman basilica floor plan. (confusing, eh)

I know we have been in basilicas in Europe,

but have we been in any in the Americas?

Yes, we have!

(Hint: Click on an photo to enlarge it.)

1. A famous one is in the Recoleta area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, Buenos Aires

 I was so taken by the contrast of the brilliant white walls and the dark wood in Our Lady of Pilar.

2. Talpa, Mexico is where we found…

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.

It must have been a special celebration day as the interior of the church was packed! Nay, it was stuffed to the rafters! A steady procession of people . (It was near Christmas.)

I was taken by the unique decorations in the dome.

 3. Montreal, Quebec, Canada is home to at least two basilicas…

St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mont-Royal

It is the largest church in Canada.

(I believe the guide said that Sacre Coeur in Paris would fit inside St. Joseph’s Oratory.)

Also in Montreal, Our Lady of Montreal Basilica

The interior of Our Lady (Notre Dame) is the most beautiful that I have ever been in!

4. Quebec has many, many churches so it was not surprising that another famous basilica is just east of Quebec city…

Sainte-Anne-de- Beaupre.

(click here to join us in Beaupre…note the unique interior of the basilica)

5. What about western Canada? Any basilicas?

Here is one in Edmonton, Alberta.

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Basilica

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Happy travels!