This morning, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, was informed by Pope Benedict XVI of the decision to designate Regina Pacis Church, 1230 65th Street, Brooklyn, a minor basilica.

Last year, Bishop DiMarzio submitted a petition to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments of the Vatican, requesting the honor of minor basilica for Regina Pacis. The request also required approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“This Thanksgiving, the Diocese of Brooklyn, in the midst of recovering from a devastating hurricane, gives thanks to Almighty God that Regina Pacis is the third church to be named a basilica in our great Diocese here in Brooklyn and Queens, and one of only 74 in the United States,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “It is with great joy that we receive the news Regina Pacis is recognized with this honor.”

Bishop DiMarzio will preside at a Solemn Mass to mark the momentous occasion on Saturday, December 8th at 2:30pm. During the Eucharistic celebration, the proclamation of the Decree granting the title of “Minor Basilica” to Regina Pacis will be read and the blessing of the Tintinnabulum and Papal Ombrellino will take place.

“Minor Basilica” is a title of honor conferred by the Holy Father on a church of great architectural, historic and spiritual importance. It may be a cathedral, a parish church or a shrine. These exceptional churches serve as an important center for the entire community of faith in demonstrating and living out the rich values of the Gospel. This honor signifies Regina Pacis’ particular link with the Roman Church and the Supreme Pontiff and will be demonstrated by the celebration of specific feasts in a special way that are linked to the papal office, including the Feast of the Chair of Peter (February 22nd), the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29th) and the anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI.