Basilica

More than 500,000 people from all over the world visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill each year. Some come to admire the beautiful architecture of the neo-Romanesque church built in 1926. Others make a pilgrimage to Holy Hill to worship, to meditate or to pray for healing. Regardless of what brings people to Holy Hill, they are bound to be touched by its peaceful environment and to be renewed in body, mind and spirit.

Holy Hill was declared a Shrine with "Portiuncula privilege" by Pope Leo XIII in 1903. And, as a result of the increasing number of pilgrims, the Discalced Carmelites of Bavaria were invited to staff the Shrine in 1906. On November 19, 2006, the Shrine was elevated to the status of Basilica.

We welcome you to come and visit Holy Hill's 435 beautiful acres of peace and beauty. Whether it has been a while since you came, or you've never been here in person, there is no time like the present!