Our Mission

The Basilica Landmark's mission is to preserve, restore, and advance the historic Basilica of Saint Mary for all generations.

The Basilica Landmark was organized in 1993 to preserve and restore The Basilica of Saint Mary and its campus.

The Basilica Landmark is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization separate from The Basilica of Saint Mary.

Our Stories

“They welcomed me with open arms.” 

I was homeless for five years. I had lost my apartment, and was flying a sign to get money. That’s how I met most of my friends, who were doing the same thing; because that was one of the main ways you can survive.

They all told me to go The Basilica, that that’s where all the homeless people go and hang out. The first time I went there, I was welcomed with open arms. There was food to eat. There was hot coffee.

Even more, The Basilica was peace of mind for me. Because it was somewhere to go when it was cold. Where I didn’t have people judging me about my situation. And it’s so beautiful, so pretty there.

I kept going back, and they gave me information. About shelters and food shelves. Places to go eat. They gave me shoes, and a clothing voucher. If I needed to get somewhere and didn’t have the bus fare, they would give me tokens. My God, they helped me with so much.

If they hadn’t done all that, I would have been into a lot of trouble. I am talking about busting into people’s houses. Stealing food from stores. That’s the way I know I would have survived. What stopped me from doing those things was because The Basilica people helped me. And a little bit of help goes a long way.

They connected me with an organization, and helped me get an apartment. And even though I’m not homeless anymore, I still go to The Basilica. For the peace of mind. You know that everyone there accepts you, no matter what. And I have a lot of friends who are still homeless, who I get to meet up with and have a cup of coffee. They still go. And so do I.