Happy feast of St. Josaphat! Did you have a chance to visit Basilica of St. Jos…

Happy feast of St. Josaphat! Did you have a chance to visit Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee? ​​St. Josaphat, born as John Kuncevyc around 1580 in Volodymyr, present-day Ukraine, was a monk and bishop in the Eastern Rite Catholic Church and is known for his efforts to unite Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics. In the late 16th century, the Union of Brest sought to bring certain Orthodox Christians under the Pope’s jurisdiction, forming what became known as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Josaphat became a monk, then later an archbishop of Polotsk, where he worked to implement the union. His efforts were often met with opposition from local Orthodox communities who resisted Rome’s influence. Despite persecution, he worked tirelessly to promote unity and uphold Catholic teachings, gaining many followers but also strong adversaries. Tragically, his dedication to unity led to his martyrdom; in 1623, a mob attacked and killed him in Vitebsk (now Belarus). St. Josaphat was canonized in 1867 by Pope Pius IX, and he is recognized as a martyr and patron of unity between Eastern and Western Christians. His feast day is celebrated on November 12. St. Josaphat Basilica in Milwaukee was founded by Polish immigrants in 1888. As the community grew, they needed a larger church, so Father Wilhelm Grutza initiated the construction of a grand basilica using salvaged materials from a demolished Chicago post office. Built between 1896 and 1901, the basilica's impressive Romanesque and Baroque architecture made it a landmark. In 1929, it was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI, marking it as the first in Wisconsin. Despite challenges, the basilica remains an active parish and a symbol of faith and heritage, drawing visitors for its stunning art and architecture.