Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius (Danville, Pennsylvania) explained

Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Pushpin Map:USA Pennsylvania
Pushpin Label Position:none
Map Caption:Location in Pennsylvania
Coordinates:40.9627°N -76.6029°W
Location:580 Railroad St.
Danville, Pennsylvania
Country:United States
Denomination:Roman Catholic Church
Dedicated Date:October 17, 1939
Completed Date:1939
Materials:Stone

The Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius is a Minor Basilica of the Catholic Church located in Danville, Pennsylvania, United States within the Diocese of Harrisburg. It is primarily the convent chapel of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius at their motherhouse, Villa Sacred Heart.

History

The sisters built their chapel during the Great Depression. The sisters were largely the daughters of European peasants and working-class immigrants. The people whose donations paid for the chapel were similar people who worked in coal mines, steel mills, factories, and farms.[1] The Romanesque Revival chapel was dedicated on October 17, 1939. It was extensively renovated in 1989. Pope John Paul II decreed on June 30, 1989 that Saints Cyril and Methodius chapel was elevated to the status of a minor basilica.[2]

Architecture

The basilica serves as the chapel of the larger motherhouse complex.[1] The interior walls are composed of travertine marble, the vaulted ceiling is covered with tiles, and the floors are composed of terrazzo. The altar and baldachino are carved in marble and the pews are oak. The interior also feature life-size mosaics of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius A Dwelling Place for God. Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius. 2014-06-15.
  2. Web site: Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. GCatholic. 2014-06-15.