- Bishiop Wenski and K of C Honor Guard
The following appeared on the Diocese of Orlando website … Pope Benedict XVI has raised the status of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe to a minor basilica, making it only the 3rd church in Florida with this distinction.
The Diocese of Orlando will commemorate this momentous event at a Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, August 22, the Queenship of Mary, at 12:00 noon.
Bishop Thomas Wenski invites all to attend the celebration and be a part of this historical and joyous occasion at the newly named Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, located at 8300 Vineland Avenue, Orlando.
It has been 25 years since the Shrine was established as a place of worship which welcomes visitors from all over the world. More than one-half million pilgrims come to the Shrine each year to find God’s presence in the beautiful and sacred environment.
Did you know….
Basilica is an honorific title bestowed on a church of historical and spiritual importance by the Holy Father. Churches honored with the title basilica belong to two classes, major and minor. Churches
honored with the title basilica belong to two classes, major and minor. There are eight major basilicas, six of which are in Rome: St. Peter in the Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls, St. Lawrence-Outside-the-Walls, and St. Sebastian. The other two are the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Of the major basilicas, four share the title Patriarchal basilicas, being the original and primary basilicas and each having within a Patriarchal Throne. There are 63 minor basilicas in the United States.
The title basilica carries with it both privileges and obligations since it is now considered one of the pope’s churches. Among the primary privilege is the right to display, both inside and outside, the coat of arms of the pope.
Two additional symbols rooted in the papal court are given to the church for display. One is the tintinnabulum, a bell which has the practical function of alerting the people to the approach of the Holy Father during a papal procession through the streets of Rome. The other is the umbrellino, an elaborate umbrella which protects the Holy Father from inclement weather. It is always displayed half-way open to signify the church is ready to welcome the Holy Father.
If you are a Knight, please try to attend this important event. If you are a member of the Color Corp, you are requested to come in full regalia at 11:00 am.
Vivat Jesus,
Scott A. O’Connor, PR Director
Florida State Council