| Basilica of Saint Mary | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Basilica_street_view_-_680x900.png) Basilica of St. Mary, in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia | |
 | |
| Location | Alexandria, Virginia |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Sui iuris church | Latin Church |
| Website | StMaryOldTown.org |
| History | |
| Founded | 1795 |
| Founder(s) | Very Rev. Francis Ignatius Neale, SJ |
| Dedication | Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Neo-Gothic |
| Completed | 1827 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Arlington |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop(s) | Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge |
| Rector | Very Rev. Edward C. Hathaway |
| Vicar(s) | Rev. Fr. Joseph Townsend; Rev. Fr. Peter Clem, YA |
The Basilica of Saint Mary is a Catholic minor basilica and parish church of the Diocese of Arlington in the Old Town Old and Historic District, of Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The Basilica of Saint Mary is the oldest Catholic parish in Virginia.[1][2] It was founded in 1795 by the Francis Neale, then the president of Georgetown University (then known as Georgetown College).[1]
On December 6, 2017, Pope Francis designated the parish church as a minor basilica. The decision was announced on January 15, 2018,[3] and the basilica held its inauguration Mass on September 8, 2018.
- ^ a b "The Founding of St. Mary". Basilica of Saint Mary. Archived from the original on 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
- ^ "History of the Diocese". Richmond Diocese website.
- ^ Herald, Catholic. "Pope Francis names St. Mary in Alexandria a basilica". Retrieved 15 January 2018.