St Mary of the Angels Basilica

Basilica of St Mary of the Angels

The Basilica of St Mary of the Angels is a significant Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Minor Basilica located in Olean, New York. It stands as a prominent landmark and a visible symbol of Roman Catholicism within the city. The current structure replaced earlier churches on the site, reflecting a history of continuous Catholic presence.

History and Construction

The origins of the parish date back to 1852 with the construction of a small wooden church, funded by railroad workers. In 1860, Rev. Pamphilius DiMagliano, an OSF Franciscan missionary, replaced this with a more substantial building and dedicated it to St. Mary of the Angels, the patroness of the mother-church of the Franciscan Order. The construction of the present Gothic Revival church commenced in 1913 under the direction of French-trained architect Emile Ulrich. The cornerstone was laid in November 1913, and the church was completed in 1917 at a cost of $250,000. A defining feature of the basilica is its twin 150-foot towers, topped with stone steeples and built almost entirely of white marble sourced from nearby Pennsylvania.

Architectural Features and Restorations

The basilica's architecture is characterized by its Gothic Revival style, with a notable emphasis on white marble. The interior underwent redecoration in 1952, the church's centennial year. This restoration included the addition of religious images and medallions painted on canvas, depicting angels carrying banners with the Latin text of the Hail Mary prayer. The altars, railing, pulpit, and baptismal font are all crafted from exquisite Carrara marble imported from Italy.

Papal Recognition and Notable Associations

On February 14, 2017, Pope Francis bestowed the title of Minor Basilica upon St. Mary of the Angels, making it the 83rd basilica in the United States. The basilica holds significant associations with prominent figures. Spiritual writer Thomas Merton, author of "The Seven Storey Mountain," frequently visited the church for prayer and confession during his tenure at nearby St. Bonaventure College. He described a particularly moving experience within the church in his memoir. Additionally, Louis Zamperini, a celebrated Olympic champion and World War II hero, was baptized at St. Mary of the Angels in 1917 before his family moved to California.