We were very privileged to visit St. Vincent Basilica for Mass. The Archabbey Basilica is located in Latrobe PA outside of Pittsburgh in the Greensburg diocese.
Just look at the pictures to see how beautiful this basilica is. Incredible does not do justice in describing it. We were warmly welcomed while taking some pictures after Mass and given a personal tour of the sacristy and catacombs. It is great when we find churches with a great welcoming character. Hint: you want to grow and engage your parish, community is the key. Be welcoming, not to check a box but to truly find friends and bring together a right community.
Built on land acquired way back in 1790, the Basilica and Archabbey have been home to St. Vincent’s. In 1846, Benedictines arrived from Bavaria with their superior, Father Boniface Wimmer who was named pastor by Bishop O’Connor. The Benedictines established the site as the first North American Benedictine monastery. Carrying the name of St. Vincent, the monastery includes a seminary and college. The church building shown in the images was constructed from 1892-1905. The church was declared a basilica in 1955 due to its long important history and architecture.
