Paul KeenanZimbabwe – St Mary’s Cathedral of Bulawayo has become the only Minority Basilica across southern Africa following its awarding by Pope Francis.
“This building qualifies to be a basilica because of its centrality to the colonial struggles in Southern Africa as well as its age,” Archbishop Alex Thomas said in announcing the new title for the cathedral.
It got its new status because of its historical significance as a place where many generations came to pray for guidance, leadership and strength in the various stages of the liberation struggles.”
The foundation stone of St Mary’s was laid in 1903 – on the site of an original Jesuit site, and the church became a cathedral in 1955.