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Above the main altar hangs a portrait of Christ on the Cross, accompanied by his Sorrowful Mother. Originally executed by New Orleans artist A. Biorci in 1882 as an adaptation of Guido Reni's classical painting, the fresco deteriorated over time and was replaced with the present painting on canvas in 1931. A later restoration of this portrait removed the minor figures in the original, emphasizing the church's patron, Our Lady of Sorrows. The poignant scene serves as a powerful focal point for worshipers and visitors alike.

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


Conerstone Laid
February 24, 1842
Dedication
December 25, 1843

Consecration
September 19, 1886
Cathedral Until
June 6, 1977

Elevated to Minor Basilica
September 8, 1998
Mass of Elevation
September 25, 1999


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.


Mass Schedule
Saturday: 5:00 p.m. (Anticipated Mass)
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. (Solemn Mass)
Monday: 7:00 a.m.
Tuesday – Friday 12:05 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.
Confession
Tuesday - Friday: 11:30 a.m.
Saturday: 4:30 p.m.
By appointment, call (601) 445-5616
Masses in the Natchez Area
Daily Readings
Parish Office
Office Hours — Monday - Friday:
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Contact – Information
Protection of Children Policy
Office of Child Protection


St. Mary Basilica Coat of Arms