12Mar

Liturgical Design for The Renewed Basilica

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Sacred spaces and experiences The restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary is being guided not only by architectural plans and construction timelines, but by theological questions about how worship is shaped by space. Those questions fall largely to the Liturgical Design Committee, one of several specialized committees working under the Restoration Executive Committee to […]

08Mar

Interior Stone Cleaning and Tuckpointing

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Restoration crews have been carefully cleaning and tuckpointing the interior stone in the ambulatory aisles of the church, an important step in preserving the beauty and structural integrity of this historic space. At the same time, Basilica staff and volunteers are preparing for the next phase of the restoration by organizing the temporary relocation of […]

16Dec

Stone Cleaning

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The Basilica’s interior is faced with 4-inch-thick Mankato limestone. Throughout 2025, conservation crews cleaned the ambulatories in the church. The cleaning material is applied to the surface and once cured, peeled away, extracting embedded soot and particulate deposits that have accumulated over the past century.

01Dec

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Lord, Renew Your Church campaign

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Sustaining the Cathedral of Saint Paul & Basilica of Saint Mary | $30 Million The Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Basilica of Saint Mary are vital to the Church’s identity and unity, serving as beacons of faith and community. They provide continuity and stability, fostering a sense of belonging across generations. Essential renovations and […]

13Nov

Audio Enhancements

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From the 2025 Fall Basilica Magazine One of the pillars of The Basilica Restoration Plan is enhancing the sacred experience by improving acoustics and upgrading audio equipment.

01Oct

Exterior Tuckpointing

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Throughout 2025, crews from American Masonry Restoration have been performing exterior tuckpointing on the church as part of a comprehensive building envelope stabilization effort. This work is required to ensure the structure is fully watertight prior to the start of interior restoration. The process includes a detailed assessment of the stone masonry, identification of compromised […]

13Jan

Exterior Lighting

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From the 2025 Basilica Magazine Spring On a brutally cold night in December, a group of staff and parishioners ventured out with the lighting company guide to discuss and evaluate lighting improvements for The Basilica’s exterior.

01Dec

Restoration Preparations

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From the 2024 Fall Basilica Magazine Send me workers skilled in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art of engraving…” — 2 Chronicles 2:7

28Jun

Interior Trial Mockup

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Interior Restoration Trial Underway As The Basilica of Saint Mary plans for future interior restoration, crucial design and restoration techniques are being tested on various elements such as plaster ceilings, stone walls, stained glass windows, and lighting. These techniques are undergoing what is commonly known as a “mock-up” phase. These full-scale mock-ups play a vital […]

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