Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon [Maronite]

History & Significance

Basilica · Est. Established 1963; dedicated August 15, 1965

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio, is a Maronite Catholic shrine founded by Msgr. Peter Eid, who purchased 80 acres in 1961 for Maronites of the Youngstown area; the shrine was established in 1963. Ground was broken August 16, 1964, and the completed building was dedicated August 15, 1965, by Auxiliary Bishop James Malone of the Diocese of Youngstown. Modeled on the original shrine at Harissa, Lebanon, it was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Francis on July 8, 2014, and falls under the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.

Mid-20th-century shrine modeled on the Harissa, Lebanon original, crowned by a tower bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary

• •Maronite Catholic shrine under the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
• •Founded by Msgr. Peter Eid; 80 acres purchased 1961, shrine established 1963
• •Dedicated August 15, 1965, by Auxiliary Bishop James Malone of the Diocese of Youngstown
• •Elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Francis on July 8, 2014
• •Designed as a replica of the original Our Lady of Lebanon shrine in Harissa, Lebanon