Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart -- Charleston, W.V.

Destination: With a parish history dating back to the late 1700’s, the Basilica Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart began as a parish serving 63 families in 1866. Mass was celebrated at various locations for several years until the first church was built in 1869. On Christmas in 1897, the first Mass was offered in the present church.
Mass times are Sunday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. (Solemn Mass), 12 noon, 5 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8 a.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12 noon; Wednesday: 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 5:30 p.m.
Photos: The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (above) and a detail of its Annunciation statue (below) ((Observer photos/ sacredheartcocathedral.com). 
Why to go: On June 20, 2010, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston celebrated a Mass for the investiture of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral Church as a Minor Basilica. In honor of the 150th anniversary of the parish’s founding, the diocese began extensive renovations of the basilica.
Among improvements were a new altar and ambo, as well as new flooring, new steps to the high altar and other interior upgrades.
The basilica is also a pilgrimage site for the diocesan Shrine of the Santo Niño, and the Annunciation and Tree of Life gardens.

In 2007 Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral commissioned artist John Collier to design and create bronze statues of the Annunciation and the Tree of Life with the Crucified Christ. In 2008 the  statues were installed in the gardens in front of the church.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The basilica is an active parish with a school, so kids are always welcome.
Info: Address — Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia St. East, Charleston, WV 25301
 Phone — 304/342-8175
Website — http://sacredheartcocathedral.com/
—  Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org