Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

Religion
Affiliation	Catholic Church (Latin Church)
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Minor Basilica, National Shrine
Leadership	Fr. Anthony Aarons, rector
Location
Location	8300 Vineland Avenue Orlando, Florida
State	Florida
Architecture
Architect(s)	RLF Architects
Groundbreaking	1990
Completed	1993
Capacity	3,800
Website
www.mqus.org

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe is a special Catholic Church building in Orlando, Florida. It was built to serve the many Catholic tourists who visit the attractions in the Greater Orlando area, like Walt Disney World.

Even though it's a large church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, it has also become a popular place for visitors. In 2009, it was given the special title of a "minor basilica" in the United States. Because it's not a regular parish church, only certain church services, like confession and Holy Communion, are held there.

The Shrine has several parts. These include the main church, a peaceful Rosary Garden, an outdoor chapel called the Mother and Child Outdoor Chapel, and a Blessed Sacrament Chapel. There is also a Shrine Museum and a gift shop for visitors.

History of the Shrine
Interesting Facts About the Shrine
Rectors of the Basilica
Gallery
See also

History of the Shrine

Nativity scene in the side chapel (December 2015)

The inside of the shrine with Christmas decorations.

After Walt Disney World opened in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, many Catholic visitors came to Orlando. The local church leaders realized these tourists needed a place to attend Mass. So, in 1975, Father Fachtna Joseph Harte was put in charge of helping tourists with their religious needs.

With millions of visitors expected each year, Father Harte and Bishop Thomas Grady worked to find a permanent church location. In 1979, land was bought for a new church. It was named in honor of the Virgin Mary.

On December 8, 1984, enough money was raised to start building. The first part of the church was finished in two years. On November 23, 1986, this first phase was blessed. It included the landscaping, a building for church services and offices, and a bell tower.

On August 22, 1990, construction began on the main church. This larger church would be able to seat up to 2,000 people. Bishop Norbert Dorsey said they wanted the shrine to be a "sacred place" and a "spiritual home." A special plaque outside the church remembers this important day.

Finally, on January 31, 1993, the first Mass was held in the new church. The church was officially dedicated on August 22, 1993. Bishop Dorsey called it "a day of great rejoicing."

The name "Mary, Queen of the Universe" comes from an important church document from 1964. It talks about Mary being "Queen of the universe." This name might also connect to Orlando's link with Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral is where rockets launch into space, and it's part of the same church area as Orlando.

In 2004, the Shrine was given another special title. It became a "National Shrine." This means it's recognized as an important place for Catholics across the whole country.

In 2008, a big meeting of Catholic bishops was held there. Then, on July 17, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI declared the Shrine a minor basilica. This was because it serves so many visitors and pilgrims.

Interesting Facts About the Shrine

The fourteen windows along the aisles are called "The Magnificat Windows." They show beautiful scenes.
The Shrine also serves Catholic workers who work at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
It is the closest Catholic church to Walt Disney World.
The Outdoor Chapel has a bronze sculpture of Mary and Baby Jesus. It was made by an artist named Jerzy Kenar.
The Museum at the Shrine displays religious art from all over the world.
Inside the Shrine, there is an 8-foot-tall (2.4 m) sculpture of Mary and Baby Jesus. It is made of white marble from Italy.
In 2015, Bishop John Noonan opened the central door as a "Holy Door." This was part of a special year of mercy in the Catholic Church.
In the basilica courtyard, there is a cast iron statue of Mary and Jesus called the Salve Regina statue. It was designed in Germany in 1875 and brought to the basilica in 1992.

Rectors of the Basilica

Msgr. F. Joseph Harte, 1975 - 2007
Fr. Edward McCarthy, 2007-2011
Fr. Paul Henry, 2011 - 2020
Fr. Robert Webster, 2020 - 2022
Fr. Anthony Aarons, 2022-

Gallery

The altar area during the month of May, Mary is the Queen of May. Symbols of its designation as a Minor basilica can be seen, Umbraculum (left) and Tintinnabulum (right).