About Basilica of Saint Josaphat · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Basilica of St. Josaphat is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located at 2333 South 6th Street in the Lincoln Village neighborhood on Milwaukee's historic South Side. Built between 1896 and 1901 by Polish immigrant laborers, it is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars (Order of Friars Minor Conventual) in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and remains a working parish as well as one of Wisconsin's most-visited landmarks. In 1929 Pope Pius XI designated it as the third minor basilica in the United States. Its 214-foot copper-clad dome is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and the structure was famously built from materials salvaged from the demolished U.S. Custom House, Court House, and Post Office in Chicago, brought to Milwaukee on 500 railroad flatcars.
- Established
- 1888
- Patron
- Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych (Josaphat Kuncewicz), a 17th-century Ruthenian martyr and saint
- Rector
- Fr. Bob Cook, OFM Conv. (Rector/Pastor)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Why belong here
The Basilica of St. Josaphat offers a rare combination: a thriving, multi-ethnic Catholic parish anchored in the spiritual and pastoral care of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, set inside one of the most architecturally significant churches in the United States. Daily and Sunday Mass, weekday Eucharistic Adoration, and a robust Reconciliation schedule serve a parish community that now includes Hispanic, Polish, and English-speaking families, alongside a parish school (St. Josaphat Parish School, K4–8), religious education for children, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those exploring Catholicism, and ministries for young adults. Members can also take part in a deep liturgical tradition — sacred music directed by a full-time Director of Sacred Music, devotional life shaped by Franciscan spirituality, and service outreach — all while being part of a building that is itself a national historic landmark and an active pilgrimage site.
Mass times at Basilica of Saint Josaphat
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM (following 7:00 AM Mass)
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (following 8:00 AM Mass)
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Lower Church, during Adoration)
Adoration times
- Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Lower Church)
- Saturday: 8:00 AM Mass followed by Adoration until 9:30 AM
Welcome and Parish Overview
The Basilica of St. Josaphat describes itself as a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars on Milwaukee's South Side in Historic Lincoln Village, and as 'a Franciscan center for prayer and spirituality, inspiration and beauty.' It is home to an active Roman Catholic parish and stands as a lasting testament to the Polish immigrant community that built it between 1896 and 1901. The parish invites visitors to join for worship, prayer, tours, and community life.
- Roman Catholic parish, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
- Served by the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Conventual Franciscans, OFM Conv.) since 1910
- Minor basilica since 1929
- National Register of Historic Places since 1973
History of the Basilica
Founded in 1888 as a daughter parish of Saint Stanislaus (the first urban Polish Catholic parish in the United States), the parish's first church burned in 1889 and its replacement was outgrown by the mid-1890s. Pastor Wilhelm Grutza commissioned architect Erhard Brielmaier in 1896, then diverted the project when he learned the Chicago U.S. Custom House was being demolished — purchasing its carved stone, granite columns, bronze railings, doors, light fixtures, and even doorknobs for about $20,000 and shipping them on 500 railroad flatcars. After the cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1897, unskilled parish laborers built the church by hand under Brielmaier's supervision, and it was dedicated on July 21, 1901, before 4,000 worshippers, by Archbishop Sebastian (Francis Xavier) Katzer. Father Grutza died five weeks later. The Conventual Franciscans took ownership in 1910 and spent 16 years retiring the parish's crushing debt. Pope Pius XI elevated the church to minor basilica status in 1929; it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A 1986 storm ripped copper from the dome, prompting the 1991 founding of the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation and an 11-year, $8.5 million restoration completed under pastor Fr. William P. Callahan.
- Parish founded: 1888
- Cornerstone laid: July 4, 1897
- Dedication: July 21, 1901
- Conventual Franciscans assume parish: 1910
- Interior decoration completed: 1928
- Elevated to minor basilica: 1929
- National Register of Historic Places: 1973
- St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation formed: 1991
- John Paul II Pavilion & Visitors Center: 1998
Architecture and Interior Art
Modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of St. Josaphat is built in the Polish cathedral style with Italian Renaissance and Baroque elements. It is cruciform in plan, 213 feet long by 127 feet wide across the transepts, with twin 100-foot bell towers flanking a Corinthian-columned portico. The great copper-clad dome, approximately 214 feet high and 250 feet in circumference, sits on eight piers and was the second-largest dome in the country when completed. The interior is ornamented with detailed biblical oil paintings on the walls and inner dome, gold-leaf plasterwork on the columns, and Austrian stained-glass windows — the program completed in 1928 by artists Conrad Schmitt and Gonippo Raggi.
- Architect: Erhard Brielmaier (1841–1917) and Sons, Milwaukee
- Style: Polish cathedral / Italian Renaissance-Baroque
- Plan: Cruciform, 213 ft × 127 ft; twin 100-ft towers
- Dome: ~214 ft high, ~250 ft circumference
- Seating capacity: 2,400
- Key artists: Tadeusz Żukotyński, Conrad Schmitt, Gonippo Raggi
Clergy and Parish Staff
The Basilica is pastored by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. The current Rector/Pastor is Fr. Bob Cook, OFM Conv. He is assisted by Fr. Krzysztof Smigielski, OFM Conv. and Fr. Bede Thigpen, OFM Conv., with Fr. Anthony Lajato, OFM Conv. and Friar Anthony Ruffolo, OFM Conv. in residence. Three permanent deacons — Rev. Mr. Theodore Faust, OFS; Rev. Mr. Anton Nicolai; and Rev. Mr. Manuel Maldonado-Villalobos — assist with parish ministry. Lay staff lead sacred music, liturgy, faith formation, stewardship, operations, and facilities.
- Rector/Pastor: Fr. Bob Cook, OFM Conv.
- Assistant Priests: Fr. Krzysztof Smigielski, OFM Conv.; Fr. Bede Thigpen, OFM Conv.
- In Residence: Fr. Anthony Lajato, OFM Conv.; Friar Anthony Ruffolo, OFM Conv.
- Deacons: Rev. Mr. Theodore Faust, OFS; Rev. Mr. Anton Nicolai; Rev. Mr. Manuel Maldonado-Villalobos
- Director of Sacred Music: Dr. Agnieszka Kosmecka
- Director of Operations: Michael Chuchara
- Director of Facilities: Cary Maleu
- Director of Stewardship & Engagement: Pegge Sytkowski
- Director of Liturgy & Sacramental Evangelization: Maria Grygleski
- Coordinator of Religious Education & Young Adult Ministries: Jacqueline Rodriguez
- Hispanic Faith Formation Liaison: Claudia Perez
- Parish Secretary: Sharon Markowiak
- Wedding Coordinator: Jane Esenberg
The Conventual Franciscans
Since 1910 the parish has been entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Conventual Franciscans, OFM Conv.), founded in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Members take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and live in community (a friary). They serve in parishes, schools, missions, and other apostolic works worldwide. The Basilica is part of the St. Bonaventure Province, with a Vocation Office in Chicago (6107 N. Kenmore Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660; 773-764-8811; franciscancommunity.com).
- Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.)
- Founded in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi
- Province: St. Bonaventure Province (Chicago)
- Friars live in community and serve parishes, schools, missions
Faith Formation and Religious Education
The parish describes catechesis as 'a responsibility of the entire Christian community.' Programming includes Sunday-morning Religious Education for children, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those exploring Catholicism or seeking Confirmation as an adult, and dedicated Young Adult Ministries. A bilingual Hispanic Faith Formation liaison (Claudia Perez) coordinates Formación en la Fe for Spanish-speaking parishioners.
- Religious Education (Sunday mornings)
- OCIA / Becoming Catholic / Adult Confirmation
- Young Adult Ministries
- Hispanic Faith Formation (Formación en la Fe)
Parish School — St. Josaphat Parish School
St. Josaphat Parish School is the parish's elementary school (K4–Grade 8), located at 801 W. Lincoln Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215 (phone 414-645-4378; fax 414-645-1978; website sjpsmke.com). The school's curriculum follows the Archdiocese of Milwaukee course of study and Wisconsin elementary standards, with courses in Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music, Physical Education, and Art. The school develops the whole child spiritually, morally, academically, physically, emotionally, and socially, and integrates Gospel values across all subjects. Tuition assistance — including Wisconsin School Choice — is available.
- Grades: K4 – 8
- Address: 801 W. Lincoln Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
- Phone: 414-645-4378
- Website: https://www.sjpsmke.com/
- Curriculum aligned with Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Wisconsin standards
- Financial assistance and School Choice available
Sacraments
The parish prepares and celebrates the seven Catholic sacraments — Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (First Communion), Reconciliation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders — and welcomes inquiries from parishioners and non-parishioners alike. Anointing of the Sick is available by calling the parish office for those who are hospitalized or homebound; weddings are coordinated through the parish Wedding Coordinator.
- Baptism (infant and adult via OCIA)
- First Communion & Confirmation
- Reconciliation — see confession_times
- Matrimony — Jane Esenberg, Wedding Coordinator
- Anointing of the Sick (on request, including homebound visits)
- Holy Orders / Vocations — refer to Franciscan Vocation Office
Visiting the Basilica — Tours and Gift Shop
The basilica is a working parish as well as a tourist destination and pilgrimage site. Visitors are welcome for self-guided and guided tours outside of weekend Mass times; contacting the parish office in advance is encouraged. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop (414-902-3523) offers printed walking tours in English and Polish ($5 donation), audio tours, religious items, basilica keepsakes, and a commemorative visit certificate. The complex includes the upper basilica, the lower chapel, a historical hallway, and the gift shop.
- Visitor Center & Gift Shop — phone 414-902-3523
- Walking tours (English and Polish; $5 donation)
- Audio tours available
- Hours vary — see thebasilica.org for current schedule
St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation
The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation is a separate nonprofit corporation that supports the long-term preservation and restoration of the basilica. Founded in 1991 by community leaders — including Conrad Kaminski and Michael Murry of Lincoln State Bank, together with the Conventual Franciscans — it has raised more than $6 million and overseen major restoration work, including the 1998 John Paul II Pavilion and Visitors Center and ongoing exterior masonry work. Dan Steffes serves as Executive Director.
- Founded 1991
- Raised more than $6 million for restoration
- Opened John Paul II Pavilion & Visitors Center, 1998
- Ongoing exterior stone restoration
- Executive Director: Dan Steffes
Devotion to Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych
The basilica is named for Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych (c. 1580–1623), a Ruthenian (Ukrainian–Belarusian) archbishop of Polotsk who worked for the unity of the Eastern Churches with Rome and was martyred at Vitebsk. Canonized in 1867, he was the first Eastern saint formally canonized by Rome after the Great Schism, and his martyrdom is depicted in the basilica's signature mural above the main altar.
- Patron of the basilica: St. Josaphat Kuntsevych
- Feast day: November 12 (formerly November 14)
- Martyred 1623 at Vitebsk
- First Eastern saint formally canonized by Rome (1867)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Wilhelm Grutzafounded parish 1888; built current church 1896–1901
Former blacksmith; commissioned architect Erhard Brielmaier; purchased Chicago Post Office salvage materials; died five weeks after the 1901 dedication.
- Rev. Felix Baran, OFM Conv.after 1910
One of the dedicated Conventual Franciscan pastors who, between 1910 and the mid-1920s, led the 16-year effort to retire the parish debt that would exceed $25 million in modern dollars.
- Fr. William P. Callahan (later Bishop William P. Callahan)1993–2005
Instrumental in the 11-year, $8.5 million restoration of the basilica through the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation; was ordained at the basilica in 1977.
