What Makes a Basilica
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Norms for the Granting of the Title of a Minor Basilica
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The 1989 Vatican Document, Domus ecclesiae: Norms for the Granting of the Title of a Minor Basilica, delineates the features and responsibilities of all minor basilicas such as The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.
The word basilica is derived from a Greek term meaning “royal house.” In the Catholic world, a basilica is a church building that has been accorded special privileges by the pope. There are two kinds of basilicas. The world’s four major, or papal, basilicas are St. John Lateran, St. Peter, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major, all in Rome.Minor, or lesser, basilicas are significant churches in Rome and elsewhere in the world that meet certain criteria and are given special ecclesiastical privileges. Minor basilicas are traditionally named because of their antiquity, dignity, historical value, architectural and artistic worth, and/or significance as centers of worship. A basilica must “stand out as a center of active and pastoral liturgy,” according to the 1989 Vatican document Domus ecclesiae: Norms for the Granting of the Title of Minor Basilica.
Because designation as a basilica indicates a special bond of communion with the pope, the parish must celebrate “with particular care” the feast of the Chair of Peter on Feb. 22, the
solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul on June 29, and the anniversary of the pope’s election or his inauguration into his pastoral ministry. In the case of Pope Benedict XVI, those dates would be April 19 (his election) and April 24 (his inauguration).More than 1,580 churches worldwide have been honored as basilicas. As of last year, 325 basilicas had been designated in the Americas; there are now 69 in the United States.
The Conopaeum
Three physical signs indicate that a church is a lesser basilica. The first is the presence of the conopaeum, also called the ombrellino — a silk canopy designed with stripes of yellow and red, traditional papal colors. (See above photo.)
The TintinnabulumThe second is the tintinnabulum, or bell. It is mounted on a pole and carried processionally, along with the conopaeum, at the head of the clergy on special occasions.
The Tintinnabulum (to the right) - one of the three physical signs of a lesser basilica.
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Crossed Keys
Third, minor basilicas have the right to display the papal symbol—crossed keys—on banners, on furnishings, and on the seal of the basilica.
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The Mozetta
In addition, the basilica’s rector may wear a black mozetta, or cape, with red piping, buttons, and buttonholes in the exercise of his office. The rector is given the honorary title of "Very Reverend."
Very Rev. J. David Carter, JCL, JV,
Rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul
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A Pilgrimage Place
A minor basilica offers the opportunity for pilgrimage for visitors on certain holy days granted by the pope. Upon dedicating Sts. Peter and Paul as a minor basilica, Pope Benedict XVI gave the Basilica a plaque indicating the annual dates of indulgence opportunity for visitors.
A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayers offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, is granted to the faithful who visit the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on May 3, June 29, September 8, October 22, or on one day of their choice during the year.Excerpts from Norms for Indulgences from The Handbook of Indulgences:
16. An indulgence attached to any feast is regarded as transferred to the day to which the same feast or its external observance is lawfully transferred.
17. To gain an indulgence attached to a particular day any required visit to a church or oratory may be mad efrom noon of the day preceding it until midnight at the end of the assigned day.
23. 3. The three conditions may be carreid out several days preceding or following performance of the prescribed work. But it is more fitting that the communion and the prayer for the pope's intentions take place on the day the work is performed.
ReferenceDomus ecclesiae: Norms for the Granting of the Title of a Minor Basilica
Virtual Tour
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