St Joseph's Cathedral Basilica
Canada·Edmonton·Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, serves as the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton and is the second-largest church in the city. It holds the distinction of being the only minor basilica in Western Canada and is noted for its extensive stained glass windows.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began with the excavation of a basement in 1913, with the church functioning as a crypt until completion in 1963.
- ›It became a separate parish in 1917, serving English-speaking parishioners.
- ›Pope John Paul II elevated the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica on May 15, 1984.
- ›The basilica features 60 stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and figures.
- ›It was the first church west of Manitoba to be designated a minor basilica.
- ›A significant fire in 1980 caused damage and led to the end of its 24-hour open door policy and perpetual adoration.
Roland Walter Lines
About St Joseph's Cathedral Basilica
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph is a prominent Roman Catholic minor basilica situated in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It holds the significant role of being the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton and stands as the second-largest church in the city. Notably, St. Joseph's is the sole minor basilica located in Western Canada, accommodating an estimated 1,100 worshippers.
History and Construction
The origins of St. Joseph's trace back to 1913 when a large basement was excavated and concrete was poured, serving as a crypt church for many years. The parish itself was officially established in 1917, separating English-speaking parishioners from the Franco-Albertan St. Joachim's Church. Construction faced significant delays due to World War I, during which the architect, Roland Walter Lines, was killed. Work resumed in 1924, and Archbishop Henry O'Leary designated the unfinished St. Joseph's as the diocesan cathedral. However, further interruptions occurred during the Great Depression and World War II. The superstructure of the church was built starting in 1960, and the completed cathedral was officially opened on May 1, 1963, coinciding with the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Architectural Features and Designation
A key architectural feature of the basilica is its collection of 60 stained glass windows. These windows are illustrative, depicting the Twelve Apostles, figures from the Old Testament, various scenes from the Bible, and scenes connected to St. Albert, the first diocese in Alberta. The shrine was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II via a decree signed on May 15, 1984. This honor was partly in anticipation of the papal visit to Edmonton and served to acknowledge the contributions of early missionaries and the faithful of the diocese. It holds the distinction of being the first church west of Manitoba to receive this designation.
Notable Events and Significance
St. Joseph's Basilica was once known as a "church without locks" due to its policy of remaining open 24 hours a day for almost three decades. This open-door policy and the practice of perpetual adoration concluded after an arson incident on February 28, 1980, which caused substantial smoke and water damage. The extensive repairs, costing over $250,000, were completed by December 1981. The basilica also garnered international attention in 1988 when it hosted the wedding of hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky and actress Janet Jones, both non-Catholics, an event that drew both controversy and support.
Religious Role
Today, St. Joseph's Basilica serves as the principal church and seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, making it the church of the archbishop. In its earlier years, the cathedral parish also functioned as an unofficial training ground for the Canadian hierarchy, with several rectors and an associate pastor going on to become bishops and cardinals.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica designated as a minor basilica?
St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica was raised to the status of Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II on May 15, 1984. This designation was partly in recognition of an anticipated papal visit and the efforts of early missionaries and the diocese.
What is architecturally significant about St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica?
Architecturally notable are the 60 stained glass windows within the basilica. These windows depict the Twelve Apostles, Old Testament characters, various scenes from the Bible, and elements related to St. Albert, the first diocese in Alberta.
What is the history of construction for St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica?
The initial excavation and concrete pouring for a basement occurred in 1913, with the church functioning as a crypt church until 1963. Construction faced interruptions due to World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, with the superstructure beginning in 1960 and the completed cathedral opening in 1963.
What is the capacity of St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica?
St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica has seating for approximately 1,100 people. It is recognized as the second-largest church in Edmonton.
Has St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica experienced any major incidents?
Yes, on February 28, 1980, an arsonist set fire to the altar and crucifix, causing smoke and water damage throughout the building. This incident necessitated extensive cleaning and repairs, and led to the discontinuation of the church's 24-hour open door policy and perpetual adoration.
Related Basilicas
Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral
The Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, Kentucky, is the original cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville, established as the Diocese of Bardstown. It holds significance as the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 2001. The basilica is renowned for its historical architecture and a collection of significant artworks, including paintings donated by European royalty.
St Joseph's Basilica
St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church, located in Elmina, Ghana, holds historical significance as the first Roman Catholic church established in the country in 1880. Founded by Fathers Maru and Marat, it served as a pivotal point for the Catholic faith's introduction and development within Ghana.
Basilica Cathedral of Mary Queen of the World and St James
The Basilica Cathedral of Mary Queen of the World and St James is a minor basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal. It is notable for its design, which is a scale model of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and for its historical significance, including its connection to the Canadian Papal Zouaves.