There is one Catholic Church in Key West, St. Mary Star of the Sea. And, Pope Benedict XVI recently designated it a Minor Basilica. That makes St. Mary the fifth Minor Basilica in Florida and the seventy-second in the United States of America.
As a Minor Basilica, St. Mary Star of the Sea is now the Pope’s parish church in the Miami Archdiocese. The term basilica is a title of honor bestowed on a church of historical and spiritual importance by the Holy Father. To be named a Minor Basilica, a church must show that it deserves the rank in terms of historical significance, architectural uniqueness, and spirituality.
History & Architecture
St. Mary’s is the Oldest Catholic Church in South Florida. And now, it is also the first basilica in the Archdiocese of Miami. Construction of the building began on February 2, 1904 and the church was dedicated on August 20, 1905.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Church is literally built upon limestone rock. Furthermore, it is also built of concrete made from limestone dug from the grounds. The exterior architectural design is American Victorian, and the first non-wooden place of Catholic worship in South Florida.
Because of the island’s sub-tropical climate, six of the nine exterior bays are defined by paired shutters and doors which measure 4 feet wide by 9 feet 8 inches tall. Open doorways along east and west walls provide cross ventilation for the comfort of the worshippers.
The Church can seat five hundred comfortably, with its wide central nave, and the two side aisles provide space for two hundred to stand within the Church. The wide doorways allow for another two hundred to stand on the surrounding sidewalks.
The Unique Grotto
St. Mary Star of the Sea also has a unique Grotto containing statues of Our Lady of Lourdes and Bernadette which were dedicated on May 25, 1922. This artistic structure is made of natural rock gathered from the Church grounds and throughout the island.
After surviving three major hurricanes, one of the sisters, Gabriel, witnessed so much devastation and heartache that she wanted to keep Key West and its residents safe from future storms. Her answer was to build the Grotto to seek protection from Our Blessed Mother Mary.
Through the years, it has become the center of prayer in advance of hurricanes and tropical storms. Masses are celebrated, candles lit, and residents pray before the grotto night and day throughout the year.
More About Key West
Do you want to know more about Key West? Before making your dining reservations, be sure to read my restaurant reviews. And, check out our restaurant review section of this blog. Also, to see what other things are happening on the island during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
Island Genn – Your Key West Concierge & Travel Specialist
