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June 22, 1955
CATHEDRAL RAISED TO THE RANK OF MINOR BASILICA BY POPE.
On this day June 22, 1955 Archbishop Patrick J. Skinner, Archbishop of St. John’s received a communication from the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, informing him that Pope Pius XII bestowed upon the Roman Catholic Cathedral in St. John’s the rank of Minor Basilica.
On Sunday, June 26, 1955 as part of the 100th Anniversary celebrations a Pontifical High Mass was celebrated in the century-old Cathedral of St. John the Baptist by James Cardinal McGuigan of Toronto. More than one hundred and twenty Archbishops, Bishops, Monsignori and priests were present.
During Mass, a congratulatory message was read from His Holiness Pope Pius XII. At Solemn Pontifical Vespers that night, Archbishop Skinner made the historic announcement that the Cathedral had been raised to the rank of Minor Basilica by His Holiness. (Source: 108.4.2)
The word Basilica means Royal Hall, and is fittingly applied to the dwelling place of the King of Kings. The title is, however, restricted to certain churches, truly outstanding for their historical, artistic and ecclesiastical importance, and is an honour conferred by the Sovereign Pontiff only on rare occasions.
For more information on this and other related subjects contact the Archives of the R.C. Archdiocese.
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