Rector's Welcome

In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a very warm welcome to Saint Mary Basilica in historic Natchez, MS!

Our Lady's Basilica in Natchez is recognized as an architectural masterpiece among Catholic churches in the south. The construction of this place of worship was begun in 1842 as a Cathedral of Our Lady Sorrows — a status she maintained until the Diocese headquarters was transferred from Natchez to Jackson in 1977.

Each year, we welcome thousands of pilgrims and tourists who come to pray, to worship, and to experience the beauty of the Catholic faith expressed uniquely here in the heart of the American 'Bible Belt'. Everyone is welcome in our parish who come in good will to meet the Lord. We are proud of the rich Catholic heritage that is preserved in the artwork of our antebellum Church, and in the spirit of our proud community of faith.

On behalf of the clergy, staff, volunteers, and faithful of Saint Mary's, I invite you to visit our Church in person and know that we remember you and all our spiritual pilgrims in prayer. May God bless you and those close to you, and may you be sustained by the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Yours sincerely in the Lord,
Very Rev. Aaron M. Williams
Rector

---

---

Mission of St. Mary Basilica

St. Mary Basilica Parish is a community of believers united by faith in Jesus Christ and committed to bringing about the kingdom of God. Parish members are encouraged to grow in faith through the celebration of the Eucharist and sacraments, by the study of the Sacred Scriptures and the Catholic Tradition, and by active participation in the ministries of the parish. Parish members are expected to be witnesses for their faith by loving support of one another and through service to the needy, the wider community, and the world mission of the Catholic Church.