Norfolk’s Basilica of Saint Mary unveils $6.7 million makeover

The historic Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception is unveiling its recent $6.7 million makeover.

The church, built in 1858, has been under renovations for about four and a half years. In addition to structural repairs, the building now has new floors and pews. The paint is a crisp white, gold and blue.

Parishioners have been worshipping in the hall attached to the main building. On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, parishioners were welcomed back into the basilica to see the renovations. Father Jim Curran described that mass and music played from the original organ.

“People were weeping when they heard it. It was just so beautiful,” said Curran.

Father Curran explained that they decided to keep the original pews in the balcony because it was an important part of their past.

“Those indents were started by the knees of the slaves and the Black parishioners that were pushed up there, and we don’t want to cover that up,” stated Curran. “We want to honor that.”

Seems to me, Jesus should be the one you are concerned with honoring, and 6.7 million dollars would have fed a lot of hungry people. Just saying!