Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon
United States·North Jackson·Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is a minor basilica of the Maronite Catholic Church situated in North Jackson, Ohio. It serves as a significant spiritual center for Maronites in the United States, mirroring the original shrine in Harissa, Lebanon. The basilica was dedicated in 1965 and later elevated to minor basilica status by Pope Francis in 2014.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1963 as a shrine to our Lady of Lebanon.
- ›Construction began with ground broken on August 16, 1964.
- ›The shrine is a replica of the original in Harissa, Lebanon.
- ›Dedicated by Auxiliary Bishop James Malone on August 15, 1965.
- ›Elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Francis on July 8, 2014.
- ›Under the jurisdiction of the Eparchy of our Lady of Lebanon.
Our Lady of Lebanon
Maronite Catholic Church
About Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon
The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is a significant spiritual landmark for Maronite Catholics in the United States, located in North Jackson, Ohio. It functions as a minor basilica within the Maronite Catholic Church and falls under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.
History and Dedication
The establishment of a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lebanon in the United States was first proposed in 1960. Although that initial proposal did not materialize, Father Peter Eid later suggested that Maronites from the Youngstown, Ohio area undertake the project. He acquired 80 acres of land in 1961, and the shrine was founded two years later in 1963. Construction commenced with ground breaking on August 16, 1964, and the statue of the Virgin Mary was positioned on the tower on July 20, 1965. The completed facility, which cost $200,000, was designed as a replica of the original shrine in Harissa, Lebanon. The dedication ceremony was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop James Malone of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown on Sunday, August 15, 1965.
Basilica Status
In recognition of its importance, Pope Francis decreed on July 8, 2014, that the shrine be elevated to the status of a minor basilica, further solidifying its role as a prominent center of Maronite devotion in North America.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon established?
The shrine was established in 1963, following a proposal initiated in 1960. Groundbreaking for the building occurred in August 1964.
What is the architectural significance of the shrine?
The shrine is a replica of the original shrine to Our Lady of Lebanon located in Harissa, Lebanon. The statue of the Virgin Mary was placed on its tower in July 1965.
When was the shrine officially designated as a basilica?
The shrine was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Francis on July 8, 2014.
Which diocese has jurisdiction over the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon?
The basilica is under the jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.
Who dedicated the shrine upon its completion?
The shrine was dedicated by Auxiliary Bishop James Malone of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown on August 15, 1965.
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