Canton church to be recognized as basilica

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church officially will be recognized as the newest of the 74 Catholic basilicas in the United States at 2 p.m. Nov. 25 at 627 McKinley Ave. NW.

An elevation liturgy will be celebrated by Bishop George V. Murry, head of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

The Vatican designates a church as a basilica in recognition of its historic, ministerial or architectural importance. Founded in 1823, St. John the Baptist is the oldest Catholic congregation in Northeast Ohio, existing before there were Catholic parishes in Cleveland or Akron.

Of the 74 basilicas in the United States, only one other is in Ohio, the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey.

While enjoying a special recognition from the Vatican, a basilica accepts special responsibility for promoting the teachings of the pope and celebrating special religious feast days of the Roman Catholic Church.

During a period of about three years, the parish, led by its pastor, the Rev. Ronald Klingler, and encouraged by Murry, worked on its basilica application and waited for a decision by the Vatican. Murry received the designation June 19.

Admission to the Nov. 25 Mass will be by ticket only, available first to members of the parish and special guests. Any remaining tickets will be available to the public Monday by calling 330-454-8044, ext. 201. Seating is limited.

For more information, contact David Kaminski at 330-418-4402, or by e-mail at dckcanton@me.com

Source: http://www.cantonrep.com/life/x1107411730/Canton-church-to-be-recognized-as-basilica

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