Basilica of Vera Cruz facts for kids
The Basilica of Vera Cruz (which means "True Cross" in Spanish) is a special Roman Catholic Church located in the town of Caravaca de la Cruz in Spain. It is known as a "minor basilica," which is a title given by the Catholic Church to important churches around the world. This church received its minor basilica title on December 3, 2007.
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What is the Basilica of Vera Cruz?
The Basilica of Vera Cruz is more than just a church; it's also like a fortress! It was built on top of a hill, looking like a strong castle with its thick walls. This unique design makes it stand out. The church is a very important place for people who follow the Catholic faith, especially because of a special object kept inside.
A Special Relic: The Holy Cross
The most important treasure inside the Basilica of Vera Cruz is a relic known as the "Vera Cruz" or "True Cross." A relic is a very old and sacred object. This particular relic is believed to be a piece of the cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on. It is kept in a beautiful golden container. For centuries, people have traveled to Caravaca de la Cruz to see and honor this relic.
Why is it a Minor Basilica?
The title of "minor basilica" is given by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, which is a part of the Vatican (the headquarters of the Catholic Church). This title is a special honor. It means the church has a deep historical or spiritual importance. It also means the church is a significant place for pilgrimages, where many people travel for religious reasons. The Basilica of Vera Cruz earned this title because of its long history and the presence of the Holy Cross relic.
A Place of Pilgrimage
Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only a few cities in the world that has been granted a "Jubilee Year" by the Pope. This means that every seven years, pilgrims who visit the Basilica of Vera Cruz can receive special spiritual benefits. This makes the basilica a very popular destination for people from all over the world who are on a religious journey. They come to pray, reflect, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient and holy place.
