Saint Mary's Basilica, Phoenix, Arizona

Saint Mary's Basilica in Phoenix, Arizona, was first built as the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in 1880. It was the first Catholic church built in Phoenix and only the second Christian church. It was a sixty-by-forty foot church built from adobe. A string of priests served as pastor until 1895, when the parish was entrusted to the Franciscans. By 1902, the church needed a lot of repairs and it was decided to build a new, larger church. Due to budget constraints, a two-phase project commenced. A "basement church" was built first after the old church was taken down. Then a larger, Mission Revival style church was put on top beginning in 1913. It was registered as a historical place by the Arizona Historical Society, the State Inventory of Historical Places, and the National Register of Historical Places. In 1985, Pope John Paul II declared it a minor basilica. Basilicas are especially designated as places of pilgrimage, often because they are a saint's burial place, they have historical significance, they are architecturally beautiful, or they have some liturgical significance. Or a combination of factors. This one definite scores with beauty as well as historical significance.

Saint Mary's Basilica

While the exterior is Mission Revival, the interior is more Romanesque, with a classic central nave and side aisles.

Nave

One of the attributes of a basilica is to have a special umbrella for processions. Theirs is near the main altar.

Altar, umbrella, presider's chair

The pulpit is quite ornate with some apostles encircling it.

Pulpit

A beautiful side altar is dedicated to the Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart Altar

View from one aisle to the other

The Stations of the Cross are bas relief and well painted, giving a vivid portrayal of Jesus's Passion.

Stations 12 and 13

The stained glass windows are numerous and luminous. They also are well integrated with statues and other parts of the church.

Infant of Prague flanked by windows

The organ and rose window at the back

Pieta with saints looking on from their windows

In the back is a statue of Peter holding the keys to the kingdom.

Peter in charge

This statue was in the vestibule and I cannot figure out who it is supposed to be. The sword would indicate someone martyred (beheaded, most likely). The chalice denotes a special eucharistic devotion. I am not sure about the small tower on the side. The donut-like halo is a little odd.

Statue of the Unknown Saint?

Certified awesome