From Cathedral to Basilica

“Roman Pontiffs, from the earliest times, have been accustomed to confer honors and titles upon sacred edifices that are noteworthy for the beauty of their structure and for the religious spirit of their people. In Canada, such a noble temple is to be found in the Cathedral of Halifax.” – Decree of Pope Pius XII

In the Catholic Church, a basilica is a cathedral that has been given special privileges by the pope. There are two kinds of basilicas, major and minor. There are only four major basilicas in the world, all in Rome: St. John Lateran, St. Peter, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Throughout the world there are just under 1,800 minor basilicas. To receive the dignity of a minor basilica, a building must meet special criteria. They must be of great historical value, have architectural merit, and be a significant centre of worship.

The request for this great honor was submitted to the Sacred Congregation of Rites by Archbishop John T. McNally himself while he was in Rome on official church business. Citing the growth of the congregation and deepening of faith in the Archdiocese of Halifax, McNally asked that in his name, in the name of the clergy, and the people entrusted to his care, Saint Mary’s Cathedral be elevated to the rank of minor basilica. His request was successful, and the title was granted in August of 1950 by Pope Pius XII.

Archbishop John Thomas McNally, year unknown, Archives of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth

The official decree, written in beautifully flowing Latin, is full of praise for Saint Mary’s. It states that the Cathedral has been so ably administered and so amply equipped for sacred services that it wanted for nothing. The flame of piety had not smoldered, the splendour of the sacred liturgy had not grown dim, nor had the frequency of solemn services diminished.

Decree of Pope Pius XII, Archives of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth

When a church has been elevated to a minor basilica, there are several signs that accompany the honour. The first is the conopaeum (also known as an ombrellino), which is a silk canopy in red and yellow, the traditional papal colours. There is also a special bell (tintinnabulum), which is carried by clergy during important processions. Minor basilicas are also permitted to display the crossed keys of St. Peter, another symbol traditionally associated with the papacy. The basilica’s rector is also allowed to wear a black cape trimmed with red.

Tintinnabulum, digital photograph, Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, accessed Oct. 9th, 2020, < https://stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/what-makes-a-basilica>

The announcement of the title is traditionally accompanied by public festivities, with sermons, prayer vigils, and other celebrations, all taking place not only on the days immediately preceding the proclamation of the title but also on those immediately afterwards. The elevation of Saint Mary’s came at a time of great change for the Archdiocese, closely following the Second World War and the construction of a new home for Saint Mary’s University, which was bound by deep historical and religious ties to the Church. That the Vatican recognized not only the historical beauty of the building, but also the deep and abiding faith of its congregation was a mark of great esteem for this Halifax icon.

Coat of Arms of Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Digital Photograph, Archives of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth