National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica facts for kids
The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica is a special Catholic church located in Royal Oak, Michigan, in the United States. It's known for its amazing and fancy Art Deco style of building. This church was built in two main parts between 1931 and 1936.
It's a parish of the Archdiocese of Detroit. The money to build it came from Father Charles Coughlin's radio shows in the 1930s, which he broadcast from the church's tower.
Quick facts for kids National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S. |
| Denomination | Catholic (Latin Rite) |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Henry J. McGill |
| Style | Art Deco |
| Years built | 1931–1936 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Archdiocese of Detroit |
History of the Little Flower Shrine
_-_exterior.jpg)
The church is named after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who was lovingly called "the Little Flower." It was first built in 1926 in an area that was mostly Protestant. The church was founded in 1925, just a year before building started.
Sadly, the first wooden church building was destroyed by a fire on March 17, 1936. Because of this, the building of the new, stronger church was sped up. Construction for the new church had actually started in 1931 and finished in 1936. The new design by architect Henry J. McGill used a lot of copper and stone.
On January 31, 2015, Pope Francis gave the Shrine a special title: a minor basilica. This means it's a church with special importance.
Amazing Art Deco Architecture
_-_Charity_tower_with_Christ%27s_last_words_from_the_Cross.jpg)
_-_nave,_view_from_balcony.jpg)
One of the most striking parts of the church is the tall, dramatic limestone tower called the Charity Crucifixion Tower. It was finished in 1931. This tower features incredible sculptures by Rene Paul Chambellan. The most noticeable is a huge figure of Christ on the cross, about 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall, facing Woodward Avenue. This sculpture was carved by Enrico (Harry) Liva, following Chambellan's design.
The tower was built as a strong symbol. It was meant to be a "cross they could not burn," showing strength and faith. The sides and back of the tower have windows inside the crucifix that can be lit up. At the top corners of the tower, you can see symbols of the Four Evangelists. Below the feet of Christ, the Seven Last Words from the Cross are carved. Just below these words is a doorway with "Charity" and "Christ Crucified" carved above it. The sides of the doorframe show items related to the Passion (the suffering of Christ). This doorway leads to a small balcony that can be used as a pulpit for speaking. On the front of the tower, there are carvings of the Archangels Jophiel, Raphael, Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel. Near the pulpit, you'll find depictions of John the Apostle and the Virgin Mary on one side, and a Roman Centurion with a spear and Mary Magdalene on the other. Across the terrace, a sculpture of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is carved into the wall, also by Chambellan.
Behind the tower, doors lead to a large chapel that connects the tower to the main church building. The altar of this chapel is right at the base of the tower. The main part of the church, called the nave, is octagonal (eight-sided) and can seat 3,000 people on two levels. The main altar is in the center.
The main church building is made of strong granite and limestone. It features beautiful sculptures both outside and inside by Corrado Parducci. These include a lectern (where readings are done) and the Stations of the Cross (pictures showing moments of Christ's journey to the cross). There are also hand-painted murals by Beatrice Wilczynski. On the outside walls, stones are carved with the names and official flowers of each of the states in the U.S. The octagon-shaped granite baptismal font, used for baptisms, was designed by Robert Rambusch and Mario Agustin Locsin y Montenegro.
In 1998, the United States Bishops' Conference officially declared this site a national shrine.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la Pequeña Flor (Royal Oak) para niños
- List of places named after St. Thérèse of Lisieux
