Basilica And Shrine Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help

Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Boston: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help—locally known as the “Mission Church”—is a treasured spiritual and historical landmark in Boston’s Mission Hill neighborhood. Founded in the late 19th century by the Redemptorists, the basilica has become a beacon for pilgrims, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts alike. With a blend of Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles, local Roxbury puddingstone construction, and a revered icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, it stands as both a sanctuary of faith and a testament to Boston’s immigrant Catholic community. This comprehensive guide offers detailed visitor information, historical insights, architectural highlights, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit (CatholicCulture.org, SAH Archipedia, AGOBoston2014).

Historical Overview

Early Foundations

The basilica’s roots trace to Boston’s 19th-century industrial expansion and the burgeoning Catholic community. In 1869, the Redemptorists were invited by Archbishop Williams to establish a mission. Within two years, a modest frame church was built, dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and a copy of the famous icon was installed in 1871.

From Mission Church to Basilica

Originally called the “Mission Church,” its congregation grew alongside Boston’s Catholic population. In 1954, Pope Pius XII elevated it to basilica status, recognizing its importance as a center of worship and pilgrimage.

The Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The spiritual heart of the basilica is the icon above the high altar—a replica of the original Byzantine image from Rome. It has inspired countless devotions and is central to the basilica’s reputation as a place of miraculous healings.

Architectural Highlights

Exterior and Construction

The basilica is built from Roxbury puddingstone, accented with granite and sandstone, creating a robust and visually striking exterior (SAH Archipedia). Twin towers, rising 215 feet and completed in 1910, dominate the skyline and act as a neighborhood beacon.

Style and Design

Designed in the Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles, the church features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and an octagonal lantern over the crossing—flooding the sanctuary with natural light (AGOBoston2014).

Interior Artistry

Inside, the basilica boasts magnificent stained glass windows from Munich, intricately carved Carrara marble altars, and more than 200 statues and murals depicting saints and biblical scenes (The Catholic Travel Guide). The historic Hutchings pipe organ, installed in 1897, is a highlight for music lovers and frequently features in liturgical celebrations (AGOBoston2014).

Relics and Sacred Objects

A wax likeness of Saint Nazarius, containing his relics brought from Rome in 1873, is housed in a side chapel, deepening the basilica’s role as a pilgrimage site (The Catholic Travel Guide).

Associated Buildings

The basilica complex includes a rectory, parish hall, grammar school, and former convent, all contributing to its role as a community anchor (SAH Archipedia).

Papal Honors

As one of a select group of minor basilicas in the U.S., it displays a papal umbrellina and coat of arms, signifying its special status (AGOBoston2014).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, & Accessibility

Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  (Hours may extend during feast days and special events. Always check the official website before visiting.)
Admission: Free; donations are appreciated.
Tickets: No tickets are required for entry or Mass.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrances, ramps, elevators, and restrooms are available. Large-print worship aids and designated seating further support visitors with special needs.

Guided Tours & Amenities

Guided Tours:
Tours for individuals and groups are available by appointment and during select hours. They offer insights into the basilica’s art, history, and community role. Contact the basilica office or check the website to schedule.
Facilities:
The site includes accessible restrooms, a gift shop with religious souvenirs, and quiet spaces for reflection.
Photography:
Permitted for personal use in most areas, with flash and tripods discouraged during services.

Religious & Cultural Significance

The basilica is a hub for Catholic devotion in Boston and New England. The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has inspired traditions of prayer, healing, and pilgrimage for over 150 years (CSSR News). Masses are offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, reflecting the multicultural parish. The basilica’s legacy includes support for immigrant communities and a vibrant outreach ministry.

Special Events & Pilgrimage

Weekly Novena: Held every Wednesday at 7:00 PM, drawing hundreds for prayer, music, and reflection.
Feast Day: The annual Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (June 27) includes special liturgies and cultural celebrations.
Healing Ministry: Many visitors seek spiritual and physical healing, leaving crutches and written testimonies at the shrine.
Pilgrimage Groups: Customized programs are available for pilgrim groups, including Mass, tours, and talks.

Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips

Location: 1545 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
Public Transit: MBTA Green Line E Branch (Roxbury Crossing station) or Orange Line (Roxbury Crossing stop).
Parking: Limited street parking; paid lots nearby.
Nearby Sites:
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Fenway Park
- Emerald Necklace parks
Neighborhood: Mission Hill offers a range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants for a pre- or post-visit meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the basilica’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Hours may vary on feast days.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, entry is free; donations are welcome.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment and during certain times. Contact the office or visit the website to book.

Q: Is the basilica accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities throughout.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, except during services and with respect for worshippers.

Q: Are there special events to attend?
A: Weekly novenas, annual feast day celebrations, and concerts are regular highlights.

Q: How do I get there using public transport?
A: Take the MBTA Green Line E Branch or Orange Line to Roxbury Crossing.

Planning Your Visit

Check Schedules: Review the official website or call (617) 445-2600 for up-to-date Mass times, tour availability, and special events.
Book Tours in Advance: Especially for groups or during pilgrimage seasons.
Arrive Early: This is recommended for novenas, feast days, and popular Masses due to limited seating and parking.
Support the Mission: Donations or purchases from the gift shop help sustain the basilica’s ministries.

Summary & Recommendations

The Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help stands as a beacon of faith, history, and artistry in Boston. Visitors are welcomed into a space rich with tradition, community spirit, and architectural beauty. With free admission, accessible facilities, and an array of liturgical and cultural events, the basilica is an essential stop for pilgrims, visitors, and anyone interested in Boston’s vibrant heritage. Enhance your experience by utilizing the Audiala app for guided tours and stay connected with the basilica’s website and social media for the latest updates and events (CatholicCulture.org, SAH Archipedia, AGOBoston2014).