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's located at 8300 Vineland Avenue. This church was built to welcome the many Catholic visitors who come to the Greater Orlando area to see attractions like Walt Disney World.

Even though it's a large church for the Diocese of Orlando and holds Mass for people, it has also become a popular place for tourists to visit. In 2009, it was given the special title of the 63rd minor basilica in the United States. Because it's not a regular local church, it mainly offers the Sacraments of Reconciliation (confession) and the Holy Eucharist (communion).

The Shrine has several parts, including the main church, a peaceful Rosary Garden, an outdoor chapel called the Mother & Child Outdoor Chapel, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, a Shrine Museum, and a gift shop.

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

History of the Shrine

Nativity scene in a 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, called the Diocese of Orlando, realized these visitors needed a place to attend Mass. At first, Masses were held in different hotels.

In 1975, Bishop Thomas Grady asked Father Fachtna Joseph Harte to lead the effort to help Catholic tourists. With millions of visitors expected in Orlando each year, Father Harte and Bishop Grady worked to find a permanent church location. In 1979, they bought land for a new church. They named it after the Virgin Mary.

On December 8, 1984, enough money was raised to start building the first part of the church. Within two years, this first phase was finished. On November 23, 1986, Archbishop Pio Laghi, a special representative from the Pope, blessed the new building. This first part included the church building, offices, and a bell tower.

On August 22, 1990, they began building the main church. This new church would be much larger, able to seat up to 2,000 people. Bishop Norbert Dorsey said they wanted the shrine to be "a sacred place to give glory to God and honor our mother." He also hoped it would be "a spiritual home."

Finally, on January 31, 1993, the first Mass was held in the new, large church. On August 22, 1993, the church was officially dedicated. Archbishop Pio Laghi was there again for this important day. Bishop Dorsey called it "a day of great rejoicing."

The name "Mary, Queen of the Universe" comes from a Catholic Church document from 1964. It says that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven and made "Queen of the universe." This name might also connect to Orlando's link with Cape Canaveral, which is where rockets launch into space. Cape Canaveral is part of the Diocese of Orlando.

In 2004, Archbishop Thomas Wenski asked for the Shrine to become a National Shrine. This request was approved, and "National" was added to its name.

In 2008, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops held a meeting at the Shrine. On July 17, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI declared the Shrine a minor basilica. This was because it serves many thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year.

Interesting Facts

The fourteen windows along the aisles are called "The Magnificat Windows."
The Shrine also helps 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 beautiful bronze sculpture of the Mother and Child made by Jerzy Kenar.
The Museum at the Shrine displays religious art from different parts of the world.
Inside the Shrine, there is an 8-foot-tall (2.4 m) sculpture of Mary and Baby Jesus. It is also called "Mary, Queen of the Universe" and was carved by Jill Burkee from white marble from Italy.
In 2015, Bishop John Noonan named the central door a Holy Door. He opened it on December 13 as part of a special Catholic celebration called the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

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 known as the Queen of May. You can see symbols of its status as a Minor basilica: an Umbraculum (left) and a Tintinnabulum (right).