2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida
After a quick google search, I learned that there are six basilicas in Florida. I have already visited two – The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida and the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West, Florida. Recently, I visited two more on the list with only two more left to explore!
Shortly after arriving in Florida, I drove to Orlando to visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
This basilica was built to serve the many Catholics visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando. In 1979, land was purchased to accommodate the vision for this basilica. The first phase of construction began in December 1984. Within two years, the initial phase was completed which included a building to use as a church and offices along with a bell tower.
On the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary in August 1990, ground was broken for the main church that would seat as many as 2,000 people. On January 31, 1993, the first Mass was celebrated in the new church building. This church was dedicated on August 22, 1993.
The grounds of the Shrine include a Rosary Garden, an outdoor chapel, and a bell tower.
On July 17, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI declared the Shrine a minor basilica. Over half million pilgrims and tourists have visited this basilica thus far. It is truly a beautiful facility with an amazing gift shop. When you come to Orlando, there is more to see then Micky Mouse and his friends. I highly recommend a visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. You will not be disappointed!
Daytona International Speedway is another main attraction located in Daytona Beach, Florida. This speedway opened in 1959 and is the home of the most prestigious race in NASCAR – the Daytona 500. If you’d rather visit NASCAR instead of Mickey and his friends, there is another beautiful basilica only nine minutes from the speedway.
The history of the Basilica of Saint Paul begins in 1881 with the arrival of the first Catholic family from Germany to Daytona Beach, Florida. Mass was offered only twice a year until 1886 and held in private homes, the City Opera House, and other local halls. In 1898, property was purchased to build a wood-frame church to accommodate 400 people. In 1923, additional property was acquired to build a Catholic school and a new church. The school opened in 1925. The first Mass celebrated in the new church building was in 1927.
The Basilica of Saint Paul is a Spanish mission-style structure 181 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 123 feet from the street level to the top of the cross. The church, at the time, was the highest building on the mainland and seated 1,150 people. It was also one of the first buildings in the area to be built with a central heat and air-conditioning system.
On January 20, 2006, Saint Paul church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI and is now named, the Basilica of Saint Paul. This basilica is full of history and beautiful architecture and another great find in beautiful sunny Florida.
The last two basilicas to see on my Florida list is the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, Florida and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville, Florida. I hope to get to them soon!
Let me know if you have been to any of the Florida basilicas or maybe you would like to share a beautiful basilica in your state! I’d love to hear all about it!
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