Mass of Thanksgiving for The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal welcomed hundreds of religious leaders and worshippers from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Vincentian family, and the global Catholic community for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, April 29, celebrating The Basilica Shrine’s recent elevation by the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, to Minor Basilica.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia (pictured), was the principal celebrant of the special service commemorating this monumental achievement for the both The Basilica Shrine and the Archdiocese. Fr. Stephen M. Grozio, CM, provincial of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province, offered the homily. Concelebrants included Fr. John T. Maher, CM, superior of St. Vincent’s Seminary; and Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM, rector of The Basilica Shrine. During the service, Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag, CEO of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM), recited the Decree of Concession through which the Vatican formally recognized The Basilica Shrine as a Minor Basilica.

Archbishop Pérez joyfully commented on the significance of the celebration. “It is with utmost joy and enthusiasm that I join the Vincentian Priests and Brothers and the worship community of The Basilica Shrine in the celebration of Holy Mass and the adoption of the Holy Father’s Decree of Concession. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is extremely blessed to be the home of this world-renowned beacon of devotion to Our Blessed Mother. I congratulate the Vincentians and all those who participate in and support their ministry.” Through this title, the Roman Catholic Church recognizes The Basilica Shrine for its special bond with the Supreme Pontiff and for its extensive history of religious, artistic, and architectural significance within the Archdiocese and globally.

Becoming a Minor Basilica

Saturday’s service marked the culmination of years of preparation, research, and reporting to the Vatican by CAMM in collaboration with the Vincentians. The Shrine is now recognized as an exemplar of liturgical and pastoral action within the Archdiocese. Minor Basilicas are given prominence among other churches and shrines, receive certain honorifics, and are tasked with special responsibilities. The central functions of a basilica are rooted in the sacramental life of the Church as a site of pilgrimage, a historical landmark, and a house of significant sacred art.

Privileges and Responsibilities

The Minor Basilica title affords the Shrine certain privileges and responsibilities, principally the celebration of the feast of the Chair of St. Peter; the solemnity of the Holy Apostles, Peter, and Paul; and the anniversary and inauguration of the sitting pope’s election into pastoral ministry. Additionally, since the designation denotes a special bond of communion with the residing pope, The Basilica Shrine can may grant plenary indulgence, that is, the removal of all temporal consequences of sin to individuals, which remain even after the person’s sin has been forgiven.

Symbols of The Basilica Shrine

During the service, the Basilica Shrine unveiled the traditional symbols of a basilica, including the ombrellino, a canopy of yellow and red silk, and the tintinnabulum, a bell mounted on a pole used to signal papal visits. Together, these objects comprise the Papal Insignia. Moving forward, The Basilica Shrine will also hold the privilege of displaying Vatican City’s coat of arms on its façade and the crossed keys of St. Peter on its furnishings and liturgical appointments.