BASILICA OF THE VISITATION
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

FRÝDEK-MÍSTEK

CZECH REPUBLIC

Built in 1777 and in 1999 raised to a minor basilica. A nice little detail, as beautiful as the legend of the statue of Virgin Mary that was found in the local clay mine, brought to the parish church but found back again in the pit the next day. And so the church had to be built there.

“What tenderness and gentleness there was in the visit of Mary to her beloved cousin.”

- Blessed John XXIII

I stopped here for a short time on my business trip to Katowice. However, my far more important visits took place when I was lying in the hospital and watched the daily broadcasts of the mass at 8:00 AM. I believe that this is one of the important roles of basilicas - they should not stay enclosed in themselves, in their past glory, but continue spreading the gospel to the world.