Overview
St Francis Xavier Church
St Francis Xavier Church was raised to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1956, by special proclamation of His Holiness Pope Pius XII.
At that time, St. Francis Xavier was the twelfth church in the country to receive such an honor. Today the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is one of 53 basilicas in the United States.
The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, is perhaps one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Midwest. Original construction began in the year 1887 and was finally completed in 1889 when the church was dedicated on the feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3).
All of the basilica’s interior decorative painting was subsequently completed by the year 1905 and was then restored in 2000-2001 to give it its present grandeur.
See more Catholic Shrines and pilgrimages in North America.
See top 15 Catholic shrines in the world
History of the Basilica
In 1862, the first Catholic church in Dyersville was built. It was located in the lot immediately south of the current Basilica-steplesbasilica. Already in 1869, its size had to be doubled to accommodate the increasing number of Catholics moving into the area.
By 1880, the Catholic population had again outgrown the enlarged church, and in September 1887, construction on the present Basilica was started. The cornerstone of the church was laid on June 3, 1888, and on December 3, 1889, the new church was dedicated by Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque.
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Video
History facts
- The height of each spire is 212 feet.
- The gold leafed crosses on top of the spires are 6’8” wide and 14’ high.
- There are 64 burnt colored cathedral windows in the church.
- There are approximately 1,800 families in the parish; a total of around 5,000 parishioners.
- The original construction cost was approximately $100,000. One hundred years later the south entrance,which includes a lift to make the basilica accessible to the handicapped, was built on at a cost of $130,000
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Weekdays:
- Mondays, 6:30 am
- Tuesdays, 6:30 am
- Wednesdays, 5:15 pm
- Thursdays, 6:30 am
- Fridays, 8:30 am
Saturdays:
- 5:00 pm
Sundays:
- 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm (Latin or Spanish)
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
History of the Basilica
In 1862, the first Catholic church in Dyersville was built. It was located in the lot immediately south of the current Basilica-steplesbasilica. Already in 1869, its size had to be doubled to accommodate the increasing number of Catholics moving into the area. By 1880, the Catholic population had again outgrown the enlarged church, and in September 1887, construction on the present Basilica was started. The cornerstone of the church was laid on June 3, 1888, and on December 3, 1889, the new church was dedicated by Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque.
In recognition of the architectural attributes of the church and the fervent faith of the congregation, St. Francis Xavier Church was raised to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1956, by special proclamation of His Holiness Pope Pius XII. At that time, St. Francis Xavier was the twelfth church in the country to receive such an honor. Today the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is one of 53 basilicas in the United States.
The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, is perhaps one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Midwest! Original construction began in the year 1887 and was finally completed in 1889 when the church was dedicated on the feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3). All of the basilica’s interior decorative painting was subsequently completed by the year 1905 and was then restored in 2000-2001 to give it its present grandeur.