St. Finnan's Basilica, Minor basilica in Alexandria, Canada.
St. Finnan's Basilica is a Gothic Revival church in Alexandria featuring a stone exterior with pointed arches and towering spires that dominate the streetscape. The building sits prominently at the intersection of St. Paul Street and houses a notable organ for musical performances.
The church was built between 1883 and 1885 under architect William H. Hodson and has since served the community for over a century. Pope Francis granted it minor basilica status in 2021, elevating its ecclesiastical importance within the region.
The basilica is named after an Irish saint, reflecting the strong Irish immigrant heritage that shaped this community. This connection is visible in the building's design and the role it plays as a gathering place for descendants of those early settlers.
The basilica welcomes visitors during regular religious services and functions as an active parish church within the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. It is easily accessible from St. Paul Street and visitors can attend services or spend time in quiet reflection.
Inside the church sits a Casavant organ built in 1907 that is rarely encountered in smaller communities and represents significant craftsmanship. This instrument, known as opus 284, continues to produce music for both concerts and worship services today.
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