ROYAL OAK — Pope Francis has granted the title of minor basilica to the National Shrine of the Little Flower Church in Royal Oak. Shrine is now one of 82 churches in the United States — and only the second church in Michigan — to hold the title of minor basilica. The Basilica of St. Adalbert in Grand Rapids was named a minor basilica in 1980.

Due to its closer connection to the pope, Shrine will see enhancements to its already-active liturgical life throughout the year.  One of the archdiocese’s largest parishes, Shrine has a membership of more than 3,500 families and operates its own grade school and high school.

The title is given to churches around the world to denote a particular importance in liturgical and pastoral life and a closer relationship with the pope. The title of major basilica is reserved to churches in Rome. 

“By honoring the National Shrine of the Little Flower with the designation as a minor basilica, Pope Francis has blessed all of us in the Archdiocese of Detroit,” said Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron.

To mark Shrine’ designation, Archbishop Vigneron will preside at a solemn celebration of Mass with a reading of the decree at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.  The church’s name also will change to reflect its new designation.