Great news for the Archdiocese of New York: Old St Patrick's Cathedral (since 1809) has been a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.Old St Patrick's is the first church in the Archdiocese of New York to have the honor of being so connected with the Holy Father.
Congrats to Archbishop Dolan, Monsignor Donald Sakano!
You may recall recently that I mentioned that the Bridgeport Diocese had one of their churches raised to a minor basilica.
Take a look at the document on what it takes to be a minor basilica, Domus Ecclesiae or "On Granting of the Title of Minor Basilica."
This is terrific news on the Solemnity of Saint Patrick!
Blessed be God in His angels and in saints!
Wonderful news! I do have a small squibble though. Though it pains this young Irishman to say it, St. Patrick's Day does not rise to the rank of solemnity, at least not on the General Calendar of the Roman Rite. It is ranked as a solemnity in Ireland and Australia, but in the United States it is an optional memorial, though quite the commendable memorial it is.
Thanks for your email and reading Communio, Eugene. As a matter of fact, here in the Archdiocese of New York, March 17 --Saint Patrick's Day is a solemnity as it is the principle patron of the archdiocese and the titular of the Metropolitan Cathedral. This is the liturgical custom of the Church. But you are correct, St Patrick's Day is an optional memorial in other dioceses where Patrick is neither the principle patron nor the titular of the cathedral.
PAX!