Basilica Shrine of St. Mary - Wilmington, North Carolina

(CNS photo/EWPhotography,
courtesy Diocese of Raleigh)

Destination: The Vatican has recognized the history of St. Mary Catholic Church in Wilmington, N.C., and its prominent place in the Catholic community and the wider community by designating it a basilica. Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge announced that the church, dedicated in 1912 by Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore, will now have the title of the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary.
Mass is offered at 5:30 and (English) 7 p.m. (Spanish) on Saturday; 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. (all English), and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) on Sunday; 7:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Why to go:  St. Mary is a minor basilica, one of about 70 in the United States. A church designated as a minor basilica must be a center of active and pastoral liturgy with a vibrant Catholic community. The Wilmington basilica also  has unique historical and architectural importance.
Pope Pius IX created the apostolic vicariate of North Carolina in 1868. St. Mary Church was designated a pro-cathedral when it was dedicated in 1912, although it did not become the cathedral for the Diocese of Raleigh, when it was established in 1924.
Fashioned in the Spanish Baroque style, its features include a central dome, as well as twin towers, with each tower capped by a cupola. The church seats 485 people. In addition to the main altar, it has two other altars, dedicated to St Anthony and to the Sacred Heart.In 1974, the church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1994, it was recognized by the American Institute of Architecture and Religious Art. In 2005, the city of Wilmington named the church a local historic site.
Amenities: A gift and book store is open 4-7 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m-1 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Accessibility: There are some steps to negotiate.
(Grand) Kid friendly: It’s an active parish attached to a school, so kids are always welcome.
Info:  Address: Basilica Shrine of St. Mary, 412 Ann St., Wilmington, NC 28401.
Phone: 910/762-5491. Web: http://thestmaryparish.org

 - Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org