The Baltimore Basilica: the oldest cathedral

Last updated on: November 26, 2018 at 1:22 pm by Father Pablo Migone

The Baltimore Basilica: the oldest cathedral 2018-11-26T13:22:13-05:00 Father Pablo Migone

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The first and oldest cathedral of the United States was built from 1806 to 1821 in Batimore, Maryland. Officially named the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this beautiful church was designed by John Carroll, the first Archbishop of Baltimore, his cousin Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Benjamin Henry Latrobe, architect of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Though we proudly learn that the USA was founded on the principles of religious freedom, the fact is that the practice of Catholicism was mostly outlawed in the colonies. It was only the colony of Maryland, founded by the Catholic Cecil Calvert, Second Baron of Baltimore in 1632, that freely welcomed Catholics, quickly becoming a haven for persecuted English Catholics. It makes sense that Baltimore would then become the first and principal archdiocese of the country after independence. Two-thirds of U.S. Catholic dioceses can trace their roots back to Baltimore. Among these is my own Diocese of Savannah.

This beautiful church hosted the various councils that U.S. Bishops held throughout the 19th century. The website of the Basilica narrates the impact that these councils had not just in Baltimore, but as a whole in the Catholic Church of the United States:

“In 1829, the First Provincial Council of Baltimore, held at the Basilica, asserted the need for Catholic schools. Six other Provincial Councils and Three Plenary Councils followed, guiding the Church as the country moved westward, and its Catholic population increased with new immigrants. The First Plenary Council in 1852 extended the legislation of the Seven Provincial Councils to the entire country. Following the American Civil War, the Second Plenary Council in 1866, whose guests included President Andrew Johnson, achieved peace for the Church and called for the evangelization of Native and African-Americans. The Third Plenary Council, the largest meeting of Catholic Bishops held outside of Rome since the Council of Trent (December 13, 1545-December 4, 1563), commissioned the famous Baltimore Catechism, which taught generations of Catholics the basics of their faith.”

In recent years the Basilica has undergone an extensive renovation and is quite a place to visit. Its beautiful neoclassical style with a stunning dome are a sight to see. When I visited two years ago, I was warmly greeted by a docent who gave me a quick explanation about the church and its history. It was a quiet and peaceful place to pray.

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