121. anniversary of the elevation of the Holy Mountain to the Basilica Minor

In 1905, Pope Pius X elevated Sacris Aedibus. Basilica minor are titles awarded since the 18th century to outstanding, especially pilgrimage churches. The title signifies the strengthening of the ties of each church with the Bishop of Rome and is also intended to highlight the importance of these places to the surrounding area. In practice, this means that minor basilicas are expected to celebrate the liturgy in an exemplary manner and to carry out other activities specified by the documents in question. The Holy Mountain became the first basilica in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, there are over 1600 minor basilicas in the world, including over 500 in Italy. The higher title of "basilica maior" is reserved for the six highest Roman Catholic churches, four of which are in Rome and two in Assisi.

We will celebrate together at the evening Mass at 5:00 p.m