Nestled in the outskirts of Charlotte, N.C., lies a gem of Catholic history unknown to the majority of America’s Catholics. Belmont Abbey’s Basilica of Mary Help of Christians was built in 1892, and today serves as the beating heart of Belmont Abbey College, and the axis around which the monks of Belmont Abbey organize their day.

Here are seven facts you need to know about the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians:

1 – National Register of Historic Places
Since 1973, the Basilica has appeared in the National Register of Historic Places—the official list of historic places considered worthy of preservation according to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

2 – A House of Prayer
The primary function of the Basilica is to serve as an oratory. It is a place for the monks to gather for Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and Lectio Divina. Although it was built for the monks, in the tradition of Benedictine hospitality, all are welcome to join them in prayer.

3 – Basilica or Cathedral?
Until 1977, the Basilica held the rank of Cathedral. What’s the difference between a basilica and a cathedral? A cathedral is the seat of a bishop. When the Basilica was first built, our abbot held the title of “Abbot-Bishop.” That title eventually fell out of use. In 1998, however, Pope St. John Paul II designated the Cathedral as a Basilica.

4 – The Bells of St. Mary’s
For centuries, the Church, and particularly monastic communities, has used bells to call people to worship. The bell tower at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians houses three large bells: “St. Mary” weighs in at 1,500 lbs.; “St. Walburga” at 700 lbs.; and “St. George” at 400 lbs.

5 – Ora et Labora
“Ora et Labor”—“Work and Pray”—has always been the motto of the Benedictine Order. Our monks don’t just pray in the Basilica. The monks themselves helped build their Basilica! The bricks were made on site, and Br. Gilbert Koberzynski, a former boatwright, designed the ceiling like the hull of a boat.

6 – First Mass
On December 17,1883—Gaudete Sunday—Abbot-Bishop Leo Haid celebrated the first Mass in the new Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians.

7 – Award-Winning Windows
The painted-glass windows of the Basilica are the work of Francis Mayer and Co. These windows were included in the Company’s display at the World’s Fair of 1892. The display earned them four gold medals. The windows are not “stained glass,” but rather portraits painted directly onto glass.

Belmont Abbey College combines all that the richness of the Catholic faith has to offer with a vibrant campus life and degree programs that lead to success. In fact, the College was recently ranked in the Top 10 colleges in the state for salaries earned after graduation.

Find out more about this Catholic gem in the South!