Charleston, W.Va., Dec 15, 2009 / 01:52 am
A Nov. 9 decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship, recently received by Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston Michael J. Bransfield, has elevated the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, West Virginia to a minor basilica of the Catholic Church.
The day of the decree was the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, the mother church of all cathedrals and basilicas throughout the world.
Speaking in a statement from the diocese, Bishop Bransfield said he was “very pleased” for all of the people of the basilica.
“This is a beautiful gift for the parish, and having a minor basilica here distinguishes the Charleston community as well as the entire Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. I sincerely thank the Vatican for this decision,” the bishop commented.