Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Minor Basilica of Saint Lawrence |
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Principal Facade, Basilica of St. Lawrence
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| District | Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte |
| Rite | Latin Rite |
| Leadership | Very Rev. Mgsr. Roger Arnsparger, V.E., Rector |
| Status | Minor Basilica |
| Location | |
| Location | Asheville, North Carolina, United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Rafael Guastavino |
| Architectural style | Spanish Renaissance architecture |
| Completed | 1909 |
The Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence the Deacon & Martyr is a special Roman Catholic Church building. It is located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, United States. This beautiful church was designed by a Spanish architect named Rafael Guastavino. He worked with architect R. S. Smith and the local Catholic community. Construction finished in 1909.
In 1993, Pope John Paul II gave the church the title of "minor basilica." This means it has a special historical or spiritual importance. It is the only basilica in western North Carolina. The church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its large dome is very famous. It is believed to be the biggest freestanding elliptical dome in North America. The building's style is called Spanish Renaissance.
Contents
Inside the Basilica: What to See
The inside of the basilica is filled with amazing art. You can see statues of many important saints. These include St. Lawrence, St. Cecilia, and St. Patrick. The statues were made in Italy by the Daprato Statue Company.
The main altar is made from Tennessee marble. Above it, there is a Spanish wood carving. It shows the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle at the crucifixion of Christ. The wall behind the altar has colorful decorations. These show the Four Evangelists and Archangels St. Raphael and St. Michael.
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
The basilica is famous for its many detailed stained glass windows. Many of these windows were made in Munich, Germany.
On the right side of the church, the windows tell stories. They show the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Nativity of Christ. Another window shows the Child Christ Teaching in the Temple.
On the left side, you can see windows depicting the Wedding at Cana. There is also a window showing Christ Healing the Daughter of Jairus. Other scenes include the Calming of the Wind and Waves and the Resurrected Christ.
Two very large windows are on the eastern and western walls. One shows Christ healing sick people. The other shows the Transfiguration of Christ. The big window in the organ area shows the Resurrection of Christ.
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Christ Healing the Afflicted
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The Transfiguration of Christ
Special Chapels Inside
There are two smaller chapels next to the main altar.
Chapel of Our Lady
The first chapel is on the left. It is called the "Chapel of Our Lady." This chapel has a marble altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A statue of the Immaculate Conception stands there with two angels.
The front of the altar has carvings of several female saints. These include St. Margaret and St. Lucia. Around the altar, tiles list names of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the middle, there is a piece of Italian marble. It shows the Nativity of Christ.
Above the altar, seven doves represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. You can also see icons of the Virgin Mary. These include Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady of Guadalupe. People light votive candles under these icons. The two stained glass windows here show Our Lady, Star of the Sea and Saint Raphael the Archangel. The crypt (burial place) of architect Rafael Guastavino is in the back left of this chapel.
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Marian altar
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Italian marble relief of the Nativity of Christ
Eucharistic Adoration Chapel
The second chapel is on the right of the main altar. It is called the "Eucharistic Adoration Chapel." This chapel is used for quiet prayer and Eucharistic adoration. The Holy Eucharist is displayed here for people to pray before it.
The stained glass window above this altar shows the Nativity of Christ. Another window shows the death of St. Joseph. He is shown in the arms of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. A smaller window shows St. Lawrence, the saint the basilica is named after. The altar and part of the wall in this chapel are a mosaic. It was made from small pieces of tile by two priests, Rev. Peter Marion and Rev. Patrick Marion.
Outside the Basilica: The Grounds
The basilica grounds include a rectory, which is where the priest lives. There is also a Catholic library and a gift shop. The gift shop is open after weekend Masses for visitors. Behind the basilica, you will find a peaceful Mary garden. It has a life-sized white statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Gallery
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Rear of the Basilica
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Dome of the Basilica
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Altar of the Basilica
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Inside the structure of the dome is the tomb of Rafael Guastavino
