Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace
El Salvador·San Miguel
The Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace, also known as San Miguel Cathedral, is a significant Catholic church located in San Miguel, El Salvador. Construction began in 1862 with the intention of creating a larger temple to venerate the Virgin Our Lady of Peace, and it officially became a cathedral in 1913. The basilica was declared completed in 1962, a century after its construction commenced.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the current temple began in 1862, replacing an older parish church dedicated to St. Michael Archangel.
- ›The church was intended as an oratory for the veneration of the Virgin our Lady of Peace.
- ›It received cathedral status by papal decree on February 11, 1913.
- ›The image of our Lady of Peace received a papal coronation on November 21, 1921.
- ›The basilica was declared completed in 1962, marking a century since construction started.
William Kirk
About Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace
The Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace, also recognized as San Miguel Cathedral, stands as a prominent Catholic church in the city of San Miguel, El Salvador. Its history is deeply intertwined with the veneration of the Virgin Our Lady of Peace.
History and Construction
The foundation for the current edifice was laid in 1862, with the intention of constructing a grander temple than the existing parish church dedicated to St. Michael Archangel. The project aimed to create a significant oratory for public devotion to the Virgin Our Lady of Peace. The first stone is believed to have been placed by President Gerardo Barrios on November 21, 1862. Early in its construction, the project faced a setback when the English engineer William Kirk departed following the death of President Barrios. Despite being unfinished, the temple was elevated to the status of a cathedral by a papal decree from Pius X on February 11, 1913. A significant moment in its history occurred on November 21, 1921, when Monsignor Juan Antonio Dueñas y Argumedo proclaimed the Patronage of Our Lady of Peace and performed a papal coronation of her image, acting on behalf of Pope Benedict XV. The basilica was officially declared complete in 1962, a century after its construction began, during the tenure of pastor Oscar Romero.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did construction of the Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace begin?
Construction of the current temple began in 1862. The first stone was reportedly laid by President Gerardo Barrios on November 21 of that year.
What is the significance of Our Lady of Peace to the basilica?
The basilica was built as an oratory for the veneration of the Virgin Our Lady of Peace. Her image received a papal coronation on November 21, 1921, on behalf of Pope Benedict XV.
When was the San Miguel Cathedral officially designated as a cathedral?
The temple received the rank of cathedral by papal decree of Pius X on February 11, 1913, while still unfinished.
Who was involved in the early construction of the basilica?
The initial construction was overseen by English engineer William Kirk, who had to leave the project after the death of President Gerardo Barrios.
When was the Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace considered completed?
The cathedral was declared completed in 1962, exactly a century after construction works had started. This coincided with the promotion of then pastor Oscar Romero.
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