Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Usa·Lewiston·Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is a Modernist minor basilica and the US national shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Fatima. It serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics and houses various devotional areas and relics. The shrine is entrusted to the care of the Barnabite Fathers.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the basilica began in 1963 and it was dedicated in 1965.
- ›It was conferred the title of basilica by Pope Paul VI on October 7, 1975.
- ›The basilica features a prominent dome measuring 100 feet in diameter and 55 feet high, topped by a 13-foot granite statue of our Lady of Fatima.
- ›A 48-foot bell tower, dedicated to Barnabite Father Charles M. Barlassina, was added in 1981.
- ›A significant renovation in 2008 added 7,400 sq.ft. of space, incorporating old-world artisan elements.
- ›The shrine houses a Shrine of St. Anthony Mary Zaccari, the Little Chapel of Fatima, and an Avenue of Saints with over one hundred marble statues.
Modernist
Barnabites
About Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima stands as a significant Modernist minor basilica and the national shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, honored as Our Lady of Fatima, who is also recognized as the patroness of the United States. The shrine is entrusted to the care and direction of the Barnabite Fathers and is situated in Lewiston, New York, north of Niagara Falls.
History and Development
The origins of the shrine trace back to the mid-1950s when the Barnabite Fathers were invited to the Diocese of Buffalo. Seeking a location for a seminary, they received a donation of 15 acres of land in 1954 from Walter Ciurzak, who wished for a shrine to the Blessed Mother to be built on the site in gratitude for his recovery from a stroke. What began as an anticipated simple grotto evolved into a larger project, supported by the combined efforts of Polish and Italian Catholic communities in the Niagara Falls region. The current basilica was founded in 1960, with construction commencing in 1963 and dedication following in 1965. Recognizing its importance, Pope Paul VI conferred the title of basilica upon the church on October 7, 1975, drawing thousands of pilgrims annually from across the nation and the world.
Architectural and Devotional Features
The basilica is set on 16 acres and is a striking example of Modernist architecture. Its most prominent feature is a magnificent dome, measuring 100 feet in diameter and 55 feet in height. This dome is uniquely adorned with two layers of glass and acrylic, depicting a contour of the Northern Hemisphere. Crowning the dome is a substantial 13-foot high statue of Our Lady of Fatima, weighing 10 tons, sculpted from Vermont granite.
A 48-foot tall bell tower, erected in 1981 during the shrine's 25th anniversary, honors Barnabite Father Charles M. Barlassina. Beyond these central elements, the shrine encompasses several other notable areas. These include a Shrine of St. Anthony Mary Zaccari, the intimate Little Chapel of Fatima, and the Avenue of Saints, an impressive outdoor display featuring over one hundred life-size marble statues representing saints from diverse backgrounds. A Shrine of Mother Cabrini is also present.
Renovation and Expansion
In 2008, the basilica underwent a substantial $6 million renovation, marking its first major update in over half a century. This project, guided by the rector Father Julio Ciavaglia of the Barnabite Fathers in collaboration with architects, added 7,400 square feet of new space. The renovation aimed to blend old-world artisan craftsmanship with contemporary needs, utilizing materials such as granite stone walls, arched doorways, stained glass windows, structural wood beams, and copper roofs. A new ambulatory space was created around the front entrance to provide a buffer between the main basilica and the exterior, allowing visitors to experience the shrine and its chapels without disturbing ongoing services. The former Sacristy was replaced by a 2,260 square foot addition designed for small gatherings and to exhibit a historical collection of religious relics gathered by the Barnabite Fathers.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima located?
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is located at 1023 Swann Road in Lewiston, New York, USA, north of Niagara Falls.
When was the basilica built?
Construction for the current shrine began in 1963 and it was dedicated in 1965. The shrine itself was founded in 1960.
What is the significance of the dome?
The basilica is highlighted by a magnificent dome that measures 100 feet in diameter and 55 feet high. It is covered with two layers of glass and acrylic glass depicting a contour of the Northern Hemisphere.
Who directs the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima?
The shrine is directed by the Barnabite Fathers, a religious order.
What notable features can be found at the shrine?
Notable features include a Shrine of St. Anthony Mary Zaccari, the Little Chapel of Fatima, and the Avenue of Saints, which displays over one hundred life-size marble statues of saints.
Has the basilica undergone renovations?
Yes, a significant $6 million renovation was undertaken in 2008, which was the first major renovation in over fifty years. This project added new space and incorporated traditional artisan elements.
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