Saintapedia

Basilica of St. Mary (Diocese of Arlington)

Basilica of St. Mary
City:

Alexandria, VA

Website: https://stmaryoldtown.org
Email:

admin@stmaryoldtown.org

Basilica of St. Mary is in Virginia (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Arlington.

It is dedicated to St. Mary.

Location

It is located at 313 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Basilica of St. Mary
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

[[Category:Diocese of Arlington]]

History

The Basilica of St. Mary, established in 1795, is distinguished as the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia. It was founded by Fr. Francis Ignatius Neale, S.J., then president of Georgetown University. A significant moment in its founding was the financial support from George Washington, who contributed to the building fund, an act symbolic of religious tolerance in early America. This contribution reportedly occurred during a St. Patrick's Day dinner hosted by Washington's former aide, Colonel John Fitzgerald, in 1788, where the idea of constructing the church was discussed. Washington's donation, approximately $1,200 in today's terms, was crucial for the church's establishment. Initially housed in a chapel at the southeast end of Alexandria, the parish relocated to its current site on South Royal Street in 1810, where the current church was dedicated in 1827. The Basilica underwent significant changes over the years, including expansions, renovations following a fire in 1929, and was elevated to a minor basilica status in 2017 by Pope Francis.[1][2][3][4][5]

Special features

  • Historical Significance: As Virginia's first permanent Catholic parish, it benefits from George Washington's financial support, symbolizing early religious tolerance.[2][3][4]
  • Architecture: The Basilica is noted for its Illinois limestone construction, a 133-foot belfry, and mahogany doors donated in 1895.[1]
  • Relics and Shrines: Houses relics of saints, contributing to its spiritual significance.[1]
  • Cultural Heritage: Strong ties to the Irish heritage and Catholic community in Alexandria.[2]
  • Liturgical Celebrations: Offers a rich liturgical schedule with multiple Masses, including a traditional Latin Mass.[2]
  • Community Service: Numerous volunteer groups, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, engage in community service.[2]
  • Environmental Features: The original chapel site is now St. Mary's Cemetery, preserving historical continuity.[3]

Related parishes

  • St. Rita Catholic Church, Alexandria, VA
  • St. Columba Roman Catholic Church, Oxon Hill, MD

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 History and Founding - The Basilica of Saint Mary - stmaryoldtown.org
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 The Basilica of Saint Mary | Visit Alexandria - visitalexandria.com
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Alexandria, Virginia: Basilica of Saint Mary - The Catholic Travel Guide - thecatholictravelguide.com
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Basilica of St. Mary (Alexandria, Virginia) - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
  5. ↑ Did You Know: George Washington Ate Dinner with Col. John Fitzgerald on St. Patrick’s Day in 1788 - thezebra.org
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