The Beauty of the Basilica
Beyond the Building Walls
As seen in the Apostolate of the Little Flower, VOL. 89, NO. 1
“This is a church that has a long history, a foundation of folks who have given their entire lives. This is a place to set your roots.”
Parishioners from left: Connie and Yolanda
It’s easy to forget about the beauty and grandeur of the Basilica when you’re a parishioner. Things like stained glass, relics, and hand carved altar pieces become so much a part of your experience that it rarely strikes you that these are not in most churches.
For parishioners, Little Flower is embodied by the community. Being rooted here means recognizing most people, by sight if not by name. The Little Flower Family is large and varied, consisting of people you may only talk with rarely, but are happy to see each time.
“I like to help people. It is very inspiring here…”
The responsorial psalm is echoing through the Basilica. In what has become a typical Sunday, there are three members of the COVID Safety Team stationed in the foyer: directing traffic, screening any stragglers late to Mass, and keeping count.
Volunteers at Little Flower tend to fall into three categories: 1) Dedicated 2) Indefatigable and, frankly, 3) Overextended. For a long time, the members of the COVID Team were all three. As they approach the one-year mark of their inauguration, it’s good to note they’ve slowed down a little. The protocols haven’t changed, but now many events run so smoothly visitors can’t tell when things are going wrong.
“I started as a sponsor for RCIA…now I work at the Little Flower Store and with the COVID Safety Team.”
COVID Safety Team taking temperatures before Mass.
Today has a good turn-out. 130 people have come to this Mass and no one has been turned away. The Basilica can seat 500-600. On major Feast Days, the church has hosted over 1,000. Families sitting like sardines, and others standing in the aisles. With distancing restrictions still in place, 150 is the most a regular Sunday Mass can handle. Sometimes Mass-goers have to be asked to come back later or participate online.
The Basilica opens its doors 5 times a week, not counting special events. Each time requiring a shift of volunteers. The words of St. Thérèse, “I told myself that charity must not consist in feelings but in works,” are lived diligently by many of the volunteers here at the Basilica.
“When we first came here seeking a church for our family parish we had two older parishioners that encouraged us to come help. Since then, I’ve been involved.”
This year John was recognized with the Lumen Gentium Award, an award bestowed upon a layperson from each parish who has demonstrated participation in the Catholic Church’s mission to bring Christ’s light to all. Since being encouraged to help, John has served on ACTS retreat teams, as Coach and Board President of CYO, and as a catechist. As his family grew, so, too, did the ways he served.
Currently, he leads the COVID Team, serves on the Basilica building committee, as Chair of the Festival Committee, and on the team of sacristans. He’s a busy man. Watching him cheerfully coordinate his team, it’s easy to see why he was recognized. John and parishioners like him are indispensable to the Basilica’s continued presence in the community.
“I love the Carmelite priests and all the people here.”
The role of the Basilica in the lives of those who worship here grows as they do. The Carmelite Fathers who serve at the Basilica have a special relationship with the community and all who visit here. In the past year, pandemic restrictions have led to a reduction in events and services, but the love shown by volunteers like Yolanda and the sacrifice of their time and talent have let the community rebound and become even more close knit.
“I feel at peace here.”
The deep love and dedication of the people who make up the “Little Flower Family” was part of how the Basilica was built. Families rooted here now often have stories of attending Little Flower School, aunts who were Carmelite sisters, or grandparents who married here. In truth, however, that family extends beyond parishioners and across the nation to the dedicated people who are working now to restore what has been built.
Today’s Mass echoes the first offered in 1926. That Holy Sacrifice led to building a structure unlike any other. The Friars of today continue sharing the Teresian charism and invite you to grow with them. That invitation extends across distance and time as they plan to share the beauty of Carmel and the Little Flower legacy for years to come.