Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help
Canada·Labrador City·Corner Brook and Labrador
The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, located in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica. Originally built as a church and later serving as a cathedral for the Diocese of Labrador City–Schefferville, it was officially designated a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. It is notable for its postmodern architecture and its history as a significant religious center in the region.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the church was completed in 1962.
- ›It served as a co-cathedral with Schefferville starting in 1976.
- ›The Episcopal see was transferred to Labrador City in 1980, making it the sole cathedral.
- ›It was decreed a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
- ›The basilica is a two-storey postmodern structure with a rock façade and a steeple.
- ›It is the twenty-first basilica in Canada.
Postmodern
Omi
About Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help
The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a Roman Catholic minor basilica situated in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It falls under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador. The building was completed in 1962 and initially served as the cathedral for the former Diocese of Labrador City–Schefferville.
History and Designation
Mass was first celebrated in the area on Christmas 1959 in a mine garage, with Father Jacques Laperriere, OMI, officiating. The first pastor, Father Theodore Roussel, OMI, was appointed in 1960 and led the effort to construct the church, which opened in 1962. In response to a request from Bishop Peter Sutton, OMI, Pope Paul VI decreed in 1976 that the church would serve as a co-cathedral alongside the one in Schefferville. When mining activities ceased in Schefferville, the Episcopal see was relocated to Labrador City in 1980, thereby elevating the status of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to that of a cathedral. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI officially decreed the cathedral as a basilica, marking it as the second basilica in the province and the twenty-first in Canada.
Architecture
The basilica is characterized by its two-storey postmodern design, featuring a distinctive rock façade. A steeple is positioned next to the main entrance, and the tower contains three bells. The church has been served by several pastors, including Rev. Theodore Roussel, OMI, Rev. Jaroslaw Pachocki, OMI, and currently Rev. Joy Paul Kallikatukudy, OMI.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help built?
The church that would become the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was completed in 1962. The first mass was held in a mine garage in 1959, and the pastor led the drive to build the church shortly thereafter.
What is the history of the basilica's status as a cathedral?
The church was opened in 1962 and later became a co-cathedral in 1976. When mining operations ceased in Schefferville, the Episcopal see was transferred to Labrador City in 1980, elevating the status of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to a cathedral.
When did Our Lady of Perpetual Help become a basilica?
Our Lady of Perpetual Help was decreed a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. This designation made it the second basilica in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the twenty-first in Canada.
What is the architectural style of the basilica?
The basilica is described as a two-storey postmodern structure. It features a rock façade and a steeple located adjacent to the front entrance, with three bells housed in the tower.
Which diocese does the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help belong to?
The basilica is under the circumscription of the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador.
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