In addition to celebrating the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there was another cause for celebration at Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption on Aug. 14.

That evening, Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrated a special liturgy: the Mass of Blessing and Installation of the Basilica Insignia.

After a two-year application period, St. Mary of the Assumption was named a minor basilica, meaning the church was given a special designation by the Holy Father. Through an Apostolic Decree  issued by the Apostolic See in Rome on July 7, 2022, Pope Francis raised the parish church to the honor of minor basilica.

More than a year later, on Aug. 14, basilica insignia were officially installed during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Fernandes. The bishop was joined by Father Craig Eilerman, pastor of the basilica, and several priests from the Diocese of Columbus.

During the Mass, Bishop Fernandes asked Msgr. Stephan Moloney, vicar general of the diocese, to read aloud the Apostolic Decree by which the church was designated as a minor basilica.

Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption’s insignias are located at the front entrance. CT photo by Ken Snow

Traditionally, minor basilicas display two basilica insignia that historically accompanied the pope in processions.

One is the Umbraculum, also known as the Umbrelinno, which resembles an umbrella. It is a canopy with red and yellow stripes, the traditional colors of the pope and the city of Rome. On the bottom of the silk stripes are four coats of arms: those of Pope Francis, Bishop Fernandes, the Church of Columbus and the basilica.

The other insignia is the Tintinnabulum, meaning “little bell,” in Latin. The Tintinnabulum is a small gold bell in a wooden frame that is mounted on a poll. It can be carried in special processions ahead of the clergy.

The papal symbol of the crossed keys can also be displayed on banners, furnishings and on the coat of arms of the minor basilica.

Bishop Earl Fernandes sprinkles the tintinnabulum and umbraculum with holy water. CT photo by Ken Snow

Following Bishop Fernandes’ homily, there was the blessing of the insignia.

In a procession to the altar, Brian McCauley, director of religious education at the basilica, presented the Tintinnabulum, and Kevin Crabtree, president of the parish pastoral council, presented the Umbraculum.

Bishop Fernandes read aloud a blessing and blessed the two insignia with holy water and incense. McCauley and Crabtree placed the Tintinnabulum and Umbraculum outside the sanctuary at the front of the church. The Umbraculum is displayed on the right side of the main altar at every basilica.

“Now, you have the Umbrelinno, the Umbraculum, as they say in Latin, which used to be used to give shade to the pope when he would travel around, and the Tintinnabulum, which are the bells, which when the pope would be walking by and coming into the presence of someone, they would ring the bells,” Bishop Fernandes said.

“Now, you can be assured that Peter is here. The Scriptures say that the people would just want Peter’s shadow to fall upon them. These are signs of the symbols of the unity with our Holy Father and the sign of unity with the Church throughout the world. And so, we give praise and thanks to God for the gift of our faith.”

Brian McCauley (foreground) holds the tintinnabulum and Kevin Crabtree stands with the umbraculum during the blessing, CT photo by Ken Snow

Father Eilerman expressed gratitude to McCauley “not only for his work this past year and putting together this Mass, but in a very particular way, it was Brian’s work of completing the questionnaire that was sent out by the Vatican as we sought the title for a minor basilica.”

A basilica is recognized for its history, beauty and liturgical life and is given special honor and privileges by the Holy Father, as a special bond exists between a basilica and the pope.

A decree titled “Regarding the Title of a Minor Basilica,” issued on Nov. 9, 1989, illustrates the norms, special duties, privileges and requirements for a church to be considered for the title of minor basilica. The Church’s only four major or papal basilicas are located in Rome and include St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major. 

Bishop Earl Fernandes and priests from the diocese concelebrate the Mass at the installation and blessing of the papal insignia at the Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption on Monday, Aug. 14, the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. CT photo by Ken Snow

Special duties include promotion of the liturgical instruction of the faithful and preparing for and carrying out the Christian liturgical year. As a basilica, certain days must be celebrated with great care: the Feast of the Chair of Peter on Feb. 22, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on July 29 and the anniversary of the pope’s election on March 13.

There are also special privileges for the faithful who visit a basilica. 

By participating in a sacred rite or reciting the Lord’s Prayer and the profession of faith inside the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, a plenary indulgence can be obtained on certain days of the year. The usual conditions for an indulgence must be met: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.