Basilica of St. Mary was the first Basilica built in America

The Basilica of St. Mary is a community rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ who is committed to the spiritual growth and social well being of the city of Minneapolis in Minnesota. The parish is the Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and aims to provide excellence in faith information, pastoral care and faith formation, to preach justice and provide emergency relief to the poor, pursue interfaith relationships and to contribute to the celebration of the sacred arts.

The Basilica was the first basilica built in America and has been a historic site as the cornerstone of Catholic faith since 1914. An open community lies behind the cold stone walls and is more than just a local parish or an impressive downtown building, they are a group who have come together to live their faith every day. The parish believes that it is their dedication and tenacity of their volunteers and staff that make the basilica a community landmark over a building landmark.

The basilica is recognized as a fine example of Beaux-Arts architecture in the country. Construction of the basilica began in 1907 and was completed in 1915, the building was designed by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray who was a celebrated Franco-American architect and the building dominates its own city block on Hennepin Avenue. In 1975 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Restoration work on the building is ongoing to repair the exterior and damaged plaster within the church. The old copper roof was replaced in 1991 to stop water damage and leaks within the building.

The site is host to the Basilica Block Party, which is a weekend music festival, that started on the site in 1995. The proceeds of the festival go toward repairing the building and assisting poor families in the community. The DeLaSalle High School uses the church for their commencement ceremonies in the spring.

The basilica community holds programs to educate the community of the faith formation and opportunities for all ages. The programs are based on Catholic traditions and offer guidance in many ways. The Basilica Voices for Justice is an advocacy network, which allows individuals the opportunity to connect with elected officials. Another partnership that the Basilica is part of is the Mile and a Quarter, this partnership is with the Ascension and other organizations on the North side. Other programs of the basilica are support the community and social groups; provide spirituality, charity, employment ministry and hospitality ministry.