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 a special Catholic Church building. It is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It's called a "minor basilica," which means it has a special connection to the Pope. This beautiful church is part of the Diocese of Raleigh. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building.
Amazing Architecture
The main church building has a unique style. It is called Spanish Baroque. A Spanish architect named Rafael Guastavino designed it. He is famous for his work on other big buildings. These include the Biltmore Estate and Duke Chapel.
What makes this church special is how it was built. It was made without any wooden or steel beams. It also didn't use any nails! Instead, it was built using special brick tiles. This shows how clever the architect was.
St. Mary Catholic School
The Basilica Shrine of St. Mary also has a school. It is called St. Mary Catholic School. Children from kindergarten up to eighth grade go to this school.
The school started a long time ago in 1869. It was founded by a group of nuns. They were called the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Bishop James Gibbons asked them to start the school.
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. These early schools later closed. However, the current St. Mary Catholic School continues to educate students today.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica santuario de Santa María (Wilmington) para niños
