March 1, 2020
Dear Fathers, Devoted Religious, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with great joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that I share with you the news that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has granted the title of Minor Basilica to Ste. Anne Church in Detroit. To mark this blessed occasion, I am glad to have been invited by Monsignor Kosanke to celebrate Mass at 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 in praise to God for this honor.
At its founding on the Feast of St. Anne in 1701, this parish was among the first fruits of a new missionary diocese. I consider the church’s designation as a basilica to be a providential reminder that today, we each are called to continue this same mission to unleash the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the men and women of our time.
I hope, too, that this recognition will raise up for all of us – clergy, religious and faithful – the treasure the parishioners of Ste. Anne already hold close to their hearts: their devotion to St. Anne, patroness of their parish and of the Archdiocese of Detroit. I am confident that in embracing this designation as a basilica, we will be inspired to rediscover and renew the friendship we have always had with St. Anne, and have confidence knowing that we can always run to this holy shrine to ask for her intercession.
We are truly blessed by the Holy Father’s recognition of Ste. Anne’s historic significance to the City of Detroit and our local Church. More information about this special designation is provided in the accompanying announcement from the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Please be assured of my prayers for you, as I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit