Basilica Shrine of St. Mary (Wilmington, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary |
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| Location | Wilmington, North Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Website | https://www.saintmarybasilica.org |
| History | |
| Status | Minor Basilica/Parish |
| Dedication | Mary, mother of Jesus |
| Dedicated | April 28, 1912 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Rafael Guastavino |
| Style | Spanish Baroque |
| Groundbreaking | May 20, 1908 |
| Completed | 1912 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | Two |
| Materials | Brick |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Raleigh |
The Basilica Shrine of St. Mary is an important Catholic church. It is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is called a "Minor Basilica" because it has special historical or spiritual importance. This beautiful church is part of the Wilmington Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Amazing Architecture
The main church building has a Spanish Baroque style. This means it looks like buildings from Spain's Baroque period. A famous Spanish architect named Rafael Guastavino designed it. He also designed parts of the Biltmore Estate and Duke Chapel.
What's really cool is how it was built. The church was made without using any wooden or steel beams. It also didn't use any nails! Instead, it was built using special brick tiles. This unique way of building makes the church very strong and special.
St. Mary Catholic School
The Basilica Shrine of St. Mary also has a school called St. Mary Catholic School. Kids from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade go to school here.
The school started a long time ago in 1869. It was founded by a group of nuns called the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. They started the school at the request of Bishop James Gibbons. The first school was named Academy of the Incarnation. Another school was also created for girls who were poor. It was called St. Peter's Parochial School for Girls. Both of these early schools later closed.
See Also
In Spanish: Basílica santuario de Santa María (Wilmington) para niños
