Pope: Keys Church now a Minor Basilica

Yes, I know that it is hard to believe, but before Your Conchquitador embarked on his debauched life as a Buccaneer Real Estate Assassin, I was actually an Altar Boy!!!

Yes, dressed in a frock, and proficient in catching dropped wafers, pouring water and wine, lighting candles, swinging incense and ringing them bells!!

So, I do have a background as a Good Catholic Boy...I even graduated from an all boys Catholic high school!

With that, I am Proud to see that one of our Churches down here in Key West, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, has had the enormous Honor to be named by The Pope as minor Basilica!!! One of only five in Florida!!

A good Sunday remedy for a raucous Saturday Night!

See the write up in Keysnews.com below:

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church - Now a Basilica

"Pope: Keys Church now a Minor Basilica

Courtesy ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI
Written by Keys News Staff

The official designation ceremony is set for May 31.

Per decree of Pope Benedict XVI, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Truman Avenue in Key West is now one of 72 minor basilicas in the United States.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, head of the Archdiocese of Miami, which includes the Florida Keys, gave the news to parishioners in a video message played at masses over the weekend.

"Such recognition of one of our parishes by the Holy Father should link all Catholics here in South Florida most closely to the person of the Holy Father," Wenski said in reference to the pope. "In a certain sense, St. Mary Star of the Sea becomes the Pope's 'parish church' here in the Archdiocese of Miami."

Churches are given the basilica title in recognition of their historical and spiritual importance. St. Mary's was established in 1846 and is the oldest Catholic church in South Florida.

In its official announcement, the diocese notes Key West's party atmosphere: "May we not overlook the local pilgrimage from the local people of Key West … (who) desire to find peace in this place with 283 bars."

St. Mary's is one of just five minor basilicas in Florida; the others are: St. Michael's the Archangel in Pensacola; Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine; St. Paul in Daytona Beach; and the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando.

There are only four major basilicas, all in Rome: St. John Lateran; St. Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls; and St. Mary Major."

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.