Watch the recording of the Mass of Blessing and Installation of the Basilica Insignia below:
RELATED INFORMATION
THE MASS
Prelude begins at 6.40 PM
Holy Mass begins at 7.00 PM
General Information
Ministers of the Sacred Liturgy
The Celebrant
The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes
Deacon Assistants
Deacon Frank Sullivan
Deacon Jeffrey Hurdley
Principal Concelebrants
Very Rev. Craig R. Eilerman, Basilica Rector
Rev. Fr. James L. Colopy, Parish Priest
Concelebrants
Priests of the Church of Columbus
Sacred Music
Director of Sacred Music
Mrs. Sharon Silleck
The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption Adult Choir
Instrumentalists
Information Included in the Worship Aid
Visitors Guide
A 40-page visitors guide to the Basilica will be available for purchase at $10 per booklet.
On the Basilica Insignia
TINTINNABULUM
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Tintinnabulum was used to alert the people of Rome of the approach of the Holy Father during processions. The Tintinnabulum consists of a small gold bell within a hard-carved wooden frame accented with gold leaf surmounted by the Cross and keys. It is mounted on a pole, placed just outside the Sanctuary and can be used ahead of clerics in special processions.
UMBRACULUM
During the Middle Ages, an Umbraculum would be carried above the Holy Father during processions. Designed with stripes of yellow and red (traditional papal colors), the silk canopy is a symbol of the Pope’s authority and is displayed prominently on the right side of the main altar at every basilica. On the bottom of the colored stripes of fabric are found four coats of arms (noted above – right).
GENERAL BASILICA INFORMATION
What is a Basilica?
While somewhat familiar to Catholics, the term Basilica originally referred to a specific function and style of building in use during the time of the Roman Empire. A Basilica was a public building used by the Emperor or Judges for major events of noble import or significance. The structure was usually distinguished by columns, a long center aisle, and an apse within the building. It was into the apse that the Emperor or Judge would be seated.
As Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, Basilicas were converted into churches, with the Altar and Tabernacle of Our Lord, Jesus Christ substantially present in the apse, the place once occupied by the emperor. The Basilica thus became the “Royal House” where Christians gathered to celebrate the Eucharist and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Two Types of Basilicas
There are two types of Basilicas: Major Basilicas and Minor Basilicas. All the Major Basilicas are found in the city of Rome. First among them is the Lateran Basilica of Saint John, which is the Pontifical Cathedral of the Holy Father as the Bishop of Rome.The other three are the Vatican Basilica of Saint Peter, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the Basilica of Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls.
Minor Basilicas are those churches throughout Christendom that have been given a special designation by the Holy Father. Reasons for bestowing this designation may be granted for architectural beauty, historical significance, liturgical renown, or for any combination of these attributes. A Minor Basilica shares a special relationship with the See of Rome and with the Holy Father.
Special Privileges and Obligations
The faithful who devoutly visit the basilica and within it participate in any sacred rite or at least recite the Lord’s Prayer and the profession of faith may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Supreme Pontiff):
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- on the anniversary of the dedication of the same basilica (Consecrated 5 June);
- on the day of the liturgical celebration of the title – 15 August;
- on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – 29 June;
- on the anniversary of the granting of the title of basilica – 7 July;
- once a year on a day to be determined by the local Ordinary: 2023: 8 Dec. (and 2024: 9 Mar.)
- once a year on a day freely chosen by each of the faithful.
From the Catholic Times: “Three years ago, Bishop Robert Brennan made his first visit to Lancaster St. Mary of the Assumption Church to open its bicentennial year on the solemnity of its patroness. The beauty of the parish’s sanctuary, which had just undergone extensive renovation, left a lasting impression on him. So much so that a year later when he returned in 2020 to close out the bicentennial year, he asked the church’s pastor, Father Craig Eilerman, whether he’d ever considered pursuing a special designation for the historic church. That conversation and future discussions set the wheels in motion for a process that culminated in the diocese’s second-oldest church receiving the special designation of a minor basilica from the Vatican.” (Catholic Times Credit and Link)
“It is the home of a thriving Catholic community and is already a destination for pilgrims and visitors who seek to experience the holiness of this place, and to admire the beauty of this sacred edifice.”
In September of 2021, the Holy Father announced that he appointed Bishop Brennan to serve as the bishop of the Church of Brooklyn. In April of 2022, he named Father Earl K. Fernandes, a priest of Cincinnati, as the next bishop of Columbus. Bishop-elect Fernandes was consecrated and installed as bishop of Columbus on 31 May 2022.
It’s a beautiful and historical church, which has been restored and enhanced. In Lancaster, people of faith have gathered to worship God for more than two centuries. Here they have celebrated sacred moments in their lives. The designation also shows the ongoing loyalty of the Diocese of Columbus and its people to the Holy Father. The designation is a testimony to the faith that was brought here by missionaries and a reminder to continue to be missionaries, bringing Good News to others!”
“I am thrilled that our church has been granted the title of a Minor Basilica. It’s an affirmation of the strong Catholic faith that has existed for over 200 years in Lancaster and of the outstanding beauty of St. Mary of the Assumption Church.”