On February 1, 1926, in the midst of the Roaring Twenties, Pope Pius XI decreed The Basilica of Saint Mary a minor basilica – the first to be named in the United States. In the decree, Pope Pius XI conferred this distinction on The Basilica of Saint Mary by “reason of the piety of its worshippers as well as by the splendor of its ritual and the richness of its adornment.” In the long and distinguished tenure of Monsignor James Reardon the request for this noteworthy distinction was a masterstroke. Archbishop Austin Dowling was Archbishop at the time The Vatican was petitioned to convey this honor. 100 years later, The Basilica of Saint Mary celebrates 100 years as America’s first basilica with gratitude to God for the grace that has been showered upon our community of faith. We are indeed grateful to Archbishop Hebda for his presence in celebrating this milestone and for his strong support of The Basilica and our mission.
To put 1926 into cultural and historical context, AI notes that “1926 was a pivotal year marked by scientific firsts and global and political turmoil.” This period was between the two great wars and before the Great Depression. In Catholic context, 1926 was within the seventeen-year pontificate of Pope Pius XI who among other things, was known for his rebuke of totalitarian regimes and their opposition to Christian principles. In examining other historical events of 1926 AI notes the following: Robert Goddard’s liquid-fueled rocket launch, Gertrude Ederle’s English Channel swim, the birth of Marilyn Monroe, the great Miami Hurricane, the ascension to the throne of Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, and the deaths of Harry Houdini (from Appleton WI) and Agatha Christie. In 1926, Calvin Coolidge was president focusing on small government and business growth. Art deco architecture was flourishing internationally in 1926 after the 1925 Paris Exposition. And in 1926, our Beaux-Arts masterpiece stood prominently on Fr. Hennepin Avenue basking in the glow of being named the first basilica in the United States.
As pastor of The Basilica, my mind and heart go to all of the parishioners and friends who have worshipped at the parish over the last 100 years, as well as my predecessor pastors and lay staff who helped The Basilica become what it is today – a vibrant urban parish known for its culture of inclusion, extraordinary liturgy and music, and compassionate outreach to our brothers and sisters in need. I think of all those good folks – people of authentic faith – who have entered the doors of our Basilica over the last 100 years – seeking the grace and goodness of God – seeking to be uplifted and inspired as they continued their journey of faith. My mind and heart go too to the sacramental grace poured froth generously from God and the Church over this period of time – the weddings, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, confessions, ordinations, and funerals hosted by The Basilica as well as opening our doors in times of great need and historical significance. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for The Basilica over the next 100 years. Today, my heart overflows with gratitude to God and to you.