|
|
CatholicTV is a 24/7 television network that broadcasts local and national religious programming and live events for the Catholic church in America.
|
 |
IT WAS STANDING-ROOM-ONLY inside the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist for the evening dedication service. The altar of the historic gothic church was decorated by Marion Morris and Betty Colarco with roses in the colors of the papal flag, yellow and white. (Photo by John Glover)
“Pope’s Church” in Fairfield County is Dedicated
Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, Stamford
With pomp and circumstance and two thousand years of Church tradition, Bishop William E. Lori formally dedicated the new Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist in downtown Stamford on February 22. The ceremony was held on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, appropriate as Saint John’s is now linked more closely with the Holy Father as the “Pope’s Church” in Fairfield County.
“I pray that your faith continues to shine forth from this basilica to the world around us,” Bishop Lori told the standing-room-only crowd. “May this rare historical event prompt us to open our hearts and embrace our faith anew with courage, always ready to defend our religious liberty and proclaim freely that the Kingdom of God is present in our midst.”
THE PAPAL PAVILION, or Conopoeum, is blessed by Bishop William Lori during the dedication ritual. The gigantic umbrella in the papal colors of red and yellow, carried down the center aisle by Jeff Russo, recalls the movement of the pope through Rome, shielded from the elements. (Photo by John Glover)
Minor Basilica
In a decree issued last summer, Pope Benedict XVI raised Saint John’s to the dignity of a "Minor Basilica." This honorary title is granted by the pope to certain churches outside the City of Rome as special recognition of the unique historical and spiritual work of the people and their priests. Saint John’s is the first basilica in the Diocese of Bridgeport, and only the second in Connecticut.
Mother Church
Founded in 1847 to meet the needs of a growing Catholic population, Saint John’s is known as the "Mother Church of Stamford." The 23 churches and missions in Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, and Darien trace their roots to Saint John’s.
Today, Saint John’s continues to be the spiritual center of downtown Stamford and southwestern Fairfield County, with 1,500 registered families. Thousands of commuters visit the church weekly to light a candle; pray; join in the public devotions; avail themselves of the daily opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation; or attend Mass.
To learn more about the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist in Stamford, and watch a live 24/7 webcam from inside the church, visit www.stjohnsstamford.com.
<< Back to Main Page
|
|
