Pope names Detroit church a basilica

Pope Francis honoured St. Anne’s Church in Detroit with the title of Minor Basilica on March 1.

This means that the the parish, which is the second-oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic church in the United States, will be one of three churches in Michigan honoured as a Minor Basilica – the 86th in the country. 

According to a press release by the parish, the title is given to churches around the world to denote a particular importance in liturgical and pastoral life, as well as a closer relationship with the Pope. The title of Major Basilica is reserved to churches in Rome. 

 A celebration mass will take place on April 26 and the church’s title will change to reflect its new designation.