Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, Maronite Catholic basilica in North Jackson, Ohio, United States

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is a Maronite Catholic church standing on 80 acres of land in North Jackson. A tower topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary rises above the Ohio landscape.

The first proposal for a shrine to Our Lady of Lebanon was made in 1960 by Maronite priests and Archbishop Patrick O'Boyle of Washington, but it led nowhere. Rev. Peter Eid then suggested that Maronites from the Youngstown area build it; he bought 80 acres in 1961, and the shrine was established in 1963. Ground was broken on August 16, 1964, the Virgin Mary statue was placed on the tower on July 20, 1965, and Auxiliary Bishop James Malone dedicated the completed facility on August 15, 1965.

The shrine honors Lebanese tradition through its design, which reflects the original sanctuary in Harissa, Lebanon. Visitors can see this heritage connection in the architectural details and layout of the building.

The grounds offer wide pathways and quiet areas for exploring. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as walking between different parts of this expansive site involves moving across the property on foot.

The shrine is a replica of the original sanctuary at Harissa, Lebanon, and its statue of the Virgin Mary was hoisted onto the tower on July 20, 1965, weeks before the dedication. The whole facility cost $200,000. Pope Francis raised it to minor basilica status on July 8, 2014.