The title basilica was bestowed on June 19, 2012. The elevation liturgy will be celebrated November 25, 2012.
How did this happen?
"Four years ago, our Bishop, the Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ, asked each parish in the Diocese of Youngstown to think outside the box in regards to its viability to the community, city, county and diocese. The question of applying for basilica status had been on the
table several times. Once we examined the criteria for being elevated to a minor basilica, we realized we met each condition, and with Bishop Murry’s approval and blessing, we made application through the Diocese of Youngstown, The United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops and the Holy See. The original application was in Latin and had to be translated into English. A document containing six pages of questions became a testament to our parish of over fifty plus pages. We had a local historian offer some insight into our past, we hired (through the generosity of a parishioner) a professional photographer to thoroughly document our beautiful church building both inside and out, and we spent months finishing the basilica application. The process took three years to gain approval.
The Honorary title of “Minor Basilica” is granted by the Holy See (Vatican) to certain churches
outside Rome because of their historical and architectural value as well as their contributions to the community. Basilicas are expected to be centers of worship that are recognized
through the diocese. They are to promote the teaching of the Holy See and the Holy Father,
to provide liturgical formation, to be exemplary centers of worship, especially in regards to
sacred music, and to make ample provisions for the celebration of Sacraments and various
approved devotions.
Bestowing the title “Basilica” on a church establishes a particular bond with the Holy Father.
Therefore, Basilicas have the responsibility to promote the study of the documents of the
Holy Father and the Holy See, especially those concerning the Sacred Liturgy.
Also, certain days in the liturgical year are to be celebrated with added solemnity. The feast
of the Chair of Saint Peter (February 22), the Solemnity of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint
Paul (June 29) and the anniversary of the election or installation of the Pope
Considered the pope’s church, the title Basilica carries with it both privileges and obligations.
Among the many primary privileges are the right to display, both inside and outside, the coat
of arms of the pope who designated the church as a basilica, and the display of the Basilica’s
own coat of arms, bearing the marks of the principal arms of the Lateran Basilica in Rome,
the Cathedral Church of the Pope. In addition, two additional symbols rooted in the papal court, the tintinnabulum and the ombrellino are proper to the church for use and display. The tintinnabulum is a bell which had the practical function of alerting the people to the approach of the Holy Father during papal processions through the streets of Rome. The ombrellino is an elaborate umbrella which
would protect the Holy Father from inclement weather. The panels of the ombrellino are
made of alternating red and yellow silk fabric (the papal colors). It is always displayed half-way
open to signify that the church is ready to welcome the Holy Father! These two symbols are
to be displayed in the sanctuary on a permanent basis."
h/t http://www.stjohncanton.com/
