Why the World’s Newest Basilica is on Sacred Ground in Detroit, Michigan
America’s second-oldest continuously operated parish is on an international border between the United States and Canada…
DETROIT — You know this is sacred ground when you arrive. Ste. Anne, started by French missionaries, is next to a mighty international bridge. Everything has changed over 300 years — but the feeling is exactly the same.
The Great Father Gabriel Richard (1767–1832), who made the parish famous, hasn’t yet been canonized — but the Detroit church where he is buried was just declared a minor basilica by Pope Francis.
Basilica — meaning “royal house’’ — signals a church has special privileges from the pope…
People travel far to pray here for a reason.
The oldest parish in the United States is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, established by the Spanish 455 years ago in 1565. This newest basilica is the burial place of the beloved Father Richard, who served in Congress, founded the University of Michigan and gave Detroit its motto and mission:
“We hope for better things, it shall rise from the ashes.’’
