Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (Old Cathedral)
Diocese of Evansville·Catholic·United States
The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, also known as the Old Cathedral, is a historic Catholic church in Vincennes, Indiana, and the oldest Catholic parish in the state, established around 1734. It served as the first cathedral for the Diocese of Vincennes from 1834 to 1898 and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1970, recognizing its significant historical role in the development of Catholicism in Indiana.
Key Facts
- ›Established as a Jesuit mission around 1734, it is the oldest Catholic parish in Indiana.
- ›The current Greek Revival basilica structure was built starting in 1826.
- ›Served as the cathedral for the Diocese of Vincennes from 1834 to 1898.
- ›Elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
- ›The crypt contains the remains of the first four Bishops of Vincennes.
- ›Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
- Crypt Containing the Remains of the First Four Bishops of Vincennes
- Old Cathedral Library, Indiana's First Library, Established In 1840
- Three Large Murals By Wilhelm Lamprecht Depicting Religious Scenes
- Fourteen Oil Paintings For the Stations of the Cross Imported From France
- Stained Glass Windows By Von Gerichten Art Glass Company
- Statues of St. Joan of Arc, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Patrick On the FaçAde
Jean Marie Marsile
About Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (Old Cathedral)
The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, also known as the Old Cathedral, is a significant historic Catholic church located in Vincennes, Indiana. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic parish in Indiana, with its origins tracing back to Jesuit missionaries who established a mission there around 1734. The current basilica, a prime example of Greek Revival architecture, was constructed starting in 1826 on or near the sites of two earlier churches.
Historical Significance
The church played a pivotal role in the development of the Catholic Church in Indiana. In 1834, when Pope Gregory XVI established the Diocese of Vincennes, St. Francis Xavier was elevated to cathedral status and served as the episcopal seat until 1898. During this period, several important religious figures were associated with the cathedral, including priests who became bishops and the first priest ordained in Indiana. The crypt of the basilica is the final resting place for the remains of the first four Bishops of Vincennes.
Architectural and Cultural Heritage
The Greek Revival basilica, built with reddish-orange brick, features a plan based on St. Joseph Cathedral in Bardstown, Kentucky. Over the years, it has undergone several modifications and additions, including the construction of a bell tower in the 1830s and interior decorations by artist Wilhelm Lamprecht in 1870. A notable feature is the Old Cathedral Library, established in 1840, which housed Bishop Bruté's extensive collection of books and documents, making it the first library in Indiana. In recognition of its historical importance, the basilica was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Francis Xavier Cathedral established?
The St. Francis Xavier parish was established by Jesuit missionaries around 1734, making it the oldest Catholic parish in Indiana. Its earliest parish records date from 1749.
What is the architectural style of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier?
The current basilica church, built starting in 1826, is in the Greek Revival style. It is constructed of reddish-orange brick laid in a Flemish bond.
What is the significance of the 'Old Cathedral'?
It was the first cathedral for the Diocese of Vincennes, serving as the seat of the episcopal see from 1834 to 1898. It was also elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1970.
Who is buried in the crypt of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral?
The remains of the first four Bishops of Vincennes are interred in the cathedral's crypt: Simon Bruté de Rémur, Célestin de la Hailandière, John Stephen Bazin, and Jacques Maurice de St. Palais.
When was the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier elevated to minor basilica status?
Pope Paul VI elevated St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to the status of minor basilica on March 14, 1970, an honor reserved for historically significant churches.
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