Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (Pensacola, Florida)

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The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, Florida, United States is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. St. Michael's parish was established in 1781 and the present Gothic Revival-style church building was dedicated in 1886.[1] In recognition of its historic significance the church was elevated to a Basilica in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.[2]

Parish History

The Parish of St. Michael the Archangel traces its origin to August 14, 1559, with the arrival of Don Tristan de Luna and his fleet. The Dominican priests who were part of that expedition celebrated the first Mass on August 15, 1559, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Parish was canonically established on May 10, 1781, and has served the Catholic community in northwest Florida for over 235 years. In recognition of the Parish’s historic significance and architectural beauty, St. Michael Church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica on December 28, 2011, by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. Our mission is: “Proclaim Christ: Encounter Him in Word, Sacrament and Service.”[3]

In 2009, when Pensacola celebrated the 450th anniversary of the first settlement, St. Michael likewise celebrated the 450th anniversary of the Catholic presence in what would become the United States of America.[4]

  1. Our History 1559-Present Day
  2. The Basilica Coat of Arms

The Department of the Interior has recognized St. Michael's as a prominent and historically significant landmark since its construction.[5][6]

References

  1. 1."Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel". GCatholic.org. Retrieved 2013-05-28.
  2. 2."Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel". Basilica of St. Michael. Archived from the original on 2013-05-24. Retrieved 2013-05-28.
  3. 3.Archangel, Basilica of Saint Michael the. "Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel". Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. Retrieved 2026-07-21.
  4. 4.Archangel, Basilica of Saint Michael the. "Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel". Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. Retrieved 2026-07-21.
  5. 5.Excerpt from the US Department of Interior description.
  6. 6.Archangel, Basilica of Saint Michael the. "Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel". Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. Retrieved 2026-07-21.