| New Minor Basilica graces Waterbury |
| Friday, 15 August 2008 08:25 | |||
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The cause for the canonization of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney was "one of the supporting reasons" that the parish applied for the status of minor basilica, said Father John J. Bevins, pastor. "But the main reason was its sacramental richness," he added. Archbishop Henry J. Mansell was principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass on Aug. 10 dedicating the 80-year-old edifice as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. A basilica ranks just below that of cathedral. The Archbishop said Father McGivney was "one of the great native sons of the parish, who we pray is on his way to beatification and canonization." Father McGivney was born Aug. 12, 1852, when the parish was just five years old and was called St. Peters. Mass in those days was celebrated in a former Episcopal church on East Main Street. Ordained on Dec. 22, 1877, in Baltimore, Father McGivney served in several Connecticut parishes. Father McGivney died on Aug. 14, 1890; Archbishop Mansell selected Aug. 14 as one of the days on which a plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Father McGivney, whom Pope Benedict XVI declared a "Venerable Servant of God" on March 15, is best known for founding the Knights of Columbus in 1882, and on the day the church of his home parish became a basilica, the Knights turned out in force. A color guard of 20 Knights marched in the procession, including Harold Barnhart, a past faithful navigator from Amor Dei Assembly 135 in Wolcott. "This is fantastic," Mr. Barnhart said. "This is pretty uplifting, pretty exciting. It is an honor to be here." Archbishop Mansell said, "Immaculate Conception is not only one of the most beautiful churches in Connecticut, it is by far one of the most beautiful churches in all the United States." He pointed out some of the features, including marble columns separating the nave from the side aisles, the windows of the high clerestory and the colonnaded portico outside. The current structure originally was dedicated May 20, 1928, by Bishop John J. Nilan, replacing the parishs second church, which was built in 1857. It was designed by Boston architects Maginnis and Walsh and built by Tracy Brothers Co., according to a parish history written in 1997 by longtime parishioner Lawrence Duffany, now assistant director of administration and personnel in the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools. The land, structures and furnishings cost $1.25 million, and it took two years to construct. The interior measures 80 by 170 feet. It is built in the style of St. Mary Major, one of four major basilicas in the world, all of which are in Rome, Archbishop Mansell said. The others are St. John Lateran, St. Peters and St. Paul Outside the Walls. But a basilica style of architecture is not a requirement for a church to become a basilica, Archbishop Mansell said. "Its not just because of the beauty of the church; its because of the vibrancy of the mission, the way the church flourishes, its liturgy, its catechetical programs in its school, the social services and the care for the sick, for the needy, for the vulnerable." A quick glance at the church bulletin gives a hint of the parishs many activities. The Legion of Mary meets Mondays in the Michael J. McGivney Building behind the church; there is a charismatic prayer group, a choir the Archbishop declared "worthy of a basilica," a prayer line, religious education and confirmation classes, bus trips, a student exchange program and more. The application process was spearheaded by Sister of Mercy Mary Kathleen Ronan, liturgical consultant for the Archdiocese. It began in 2006 with an application to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). After that body approved it, photographs and documents were sent to Rome. Ultimately, the Holy Father approved the application. On Feb. 9, Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Office of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, sent a proclamation to Archbishop Mansell, which Father Bevins read aloud at the Mass. "This request is graciously granted with all its rights and privileges," Father Bevins read, and the congregation applauded. Father Bevins, who celebrated 50 years in the priesthood on May 15, thanked Archbishop Mansell for his "support and active participation in the application to become a basilica." The Archbishop blessed two symbols of a basilica that were created by Baker Liturgical Art of Southington and executed by Stadelmaier & Co. He first blessed an umbrellino, an umbrella-like instrument that is traditionally used to protect the Holy Father during a procession. On the eight fabric panels of the umbrellino are embroidered the coats of arms of the Holy Father, the Archdiocese, Archbishop Mansell and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception; the seal of the city of Waterbury; the date, Feb. 9, 2008, that the basilica was consecrated; an image of Father McGivney; and the image of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the basilica. The Archbishop then blessed the tintinnabulum, an instrument modeled after a shepherds bell that is carried at the front of a procession with the Holy Father. This tintinnabulum has two sterling silver bells flanking a representation of Our Lady on a pedestal. Four enamel shields on the shaft represent Pope Benedict, Archbishop Mansell, the Archdiocese of Hartford and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The tintinnabulum also features gold plating and precious gems. The umbrellino and the tintinnabulum are permanent fixtures of the basilica, reminders that a basilica should always be prepared for a visit by the Holy Father. After the Mass, the Archbishop blessed a wooden sign outside, proclaiming "The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception." The sign was created by artist George Hendricks. Sister Kathleen told The Transcript that it was necessary to prove to Rome that the parish is strong and vital and that the pastorate fosters "a deepening in the life of the faithful." She said, "The very edifice itself somehow bespeaks the dignity of the house of God." Michael C. Culhane, executive director of the Connecticut Catholic Conference, said after the Mass, "Its special to me because I was born and raised in Waterbury, one of nine children. My mother and father were born in Waterbury, and Immaculate has been such a huge part of Waterbury and the Catholic community in Waterbury." He said the designation of basilica is "reflective of the faith and the vocation and good works" of Waterbury. Joseph Silva, who moved to Waterbury from Stamford in July, said, "This is a very, very beautiful church, and it just symbolizes what Waterbury is, all these wonderful buildings." He added, "Theres a richness here, all the activities in this parish." Pamela A. Monahan, director of development at the parishs St. Mary School, the third-oldest school in the Archdiocese, said, "I think of all the programs that this church does. Its truly a church for the community of Waterbury."
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WATERBURY The name of Immaculate Conception Parishs most famous former parishioner was on everyones mind on the day the Italian Renaissance-style structure on West Main Street was blessed as Connecticuts first basilica.
