The Basilica Landmark

05/29/2026

The careful restoration of The Basilica’s historic pews represents both a significant investment and a commitment to preserving the church’s sacred heritage. Preserving the pews — and the more than 100 years of prayers, joys, and sorrows they have held — was central to the restoration vision of The Basilica.

In April, the pews were carefully removed from the church and transported to the workshop of Fresh Air Finishers for a complete restoration. The process is expected to take nearly a full year and includes cleaning, patching, sanding, and shellac finishing each individual pew.

Specializing in the restoration of historic woodwork and finishes, Fresh Air Finishers uses environmentally and human-friendly products that leave no residual odors.

05/16/2026

Crews have spent the past several weeks installing a complex scaffolding system in the nave that will allow expert plasterers and painters to reach 75 feet into the air and restore The Basilica’s ornate ceiling.

05/06/2026

The restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary is a multi-phase comprehensive project led by renowned experts from across the country.
Crews from American Masonry Restoration continue tuckpointing and repairing the exterior stone, preserving the integrity of the church and preventing water intrusion.

04/25/2026

The Basilica’s original 1914 pews have been carefully removed and transported to a restoration workshop in St. Paul. As part of the comprehensive restoration, each pew will be repaired and refinished to preserve its historic character. Once completed, the pews will be reinstalled with improved spacing to enhance accessibility throughout the restored Basilica.

04/09/2026

The Spring issue of BASILICA magazine, “Commitment to the Next Generation,” is now available. This edition highlights our ongoing restoration efforts and celebrates the Basilica’s 100th anniversary as a designated basilica.
Pick up a copy in the church or read it online.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers whose time and talent make this publication possible. BASILICA magazine is proudly sponsored by The Basilica Landmark.
https://mary.org/2026basilicamagazinespring

04/07/2026

The Basilica leads people to Christ and inspires lives of service.
I'm praying for all who are supporting the restoration, and I certainly look forward to that time when we will be able to celebrate in a completely restored, Basilica of Saint Mary. -Archbishop Hebda
Learn more about the restoration at https://www.restoreourbasilica.org/

04/06/2026

The Basilica will temporarily relocate liturgical celebrations to the lower level of the church for approximately one year while the restoration work is completed.

The major renovation includes repainting the interior, restoring stained glass windows, improving security and more.

03/23/2026

This past year has been a pivotal one for The Basilica Landmark Board of Directors. As dedicated community leaders entrusted with the preservation and restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary, we work to advance the mission and vision of The Basilica Landmark. Download the 2025 Annual Report: Committed to the Future
https://www.thebasilicalandmark.org/AnnualReport2025

03/18/2026

As we continue the work of restoring The Basilica of Saint Mary, please take a moment to watch and learn more about our vision for restoring the interior of this beautiful church. Together, we can ensure that this place of faith, beauty, and welcome continues to serve our parish and the wider community for generations to come.
Gratefully to God and to you, Fr. Daniel Griffith
https://www.restoreourbasilica.org/

03/07/2026

This week, crews have been cleaning and tuckpointing the interior stone in the ambulatory aisles of the church.
Our Basilica staff and volunteers are preparing to relocate liturgies to Teresa of Calcutta Hall following Holy Week and Easter, beginning April 6.
Learn more about how you can support this work at RestoreOurBasilica.org.