Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Philadelphia, USA
The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, once called The Miraculous Medal Shrine, stands at 500 E. Chelten Avenue in Philadelphia. It is located in the East Germantown neighborhood, on the grounds of St. Vincent’s Seminary. The Congregation of the Mission completed the original chapel, called the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, in 1879. Although the chapel first served the seminary, it gained wider importance in the years that followed. In 1927, Fr. Joseph Skelly, CM, commissioned Mary’s Central Shrine inside the chapel to promote devotion to the Miraculous Medal. This title for Mary came from her 1830 apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris.
Because devotion to Mary continued to grow, the church’s reputation and influence also increased. On January 25, 2023, the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal announced a major development. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship issued a decree dated December 12, 2022. It granted the church the title of minor basilica in recognition of its spiritual impact. As a result, the church adopted its new name: The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Moreover, this new status placed the shrine among an honored group of churches. It became the second minor basilica in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, joining the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. In addition, it became the 92nd minor basilica in the United States. Therefore, the title confirmed the church’s national and local significance. It also strengthened its role as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and Marian devotion.
Today, the Basilica Shrine continues to welcome visitors who seek grace, healing, and peace. Through its sacred space and mission, it brings countless people closer to Mary and, ultimately, to Christ.
Connectivity of Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Philadelphia, USA
Airways
The nearest airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), located approximately 17 kilometers from the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The airport offers extensive domestic and international connectivity. Taxis, Uber/Lyft, and SEPTA Airport Line trains provide convenient access to the city and shrine.
Railways
The nearest railway station is 30th Street Station, which is approximately 3.5 kilometers from the shrine. It is a major hub served by Amtrak, SEPTA Regional Rail, and NJ Transit, with connections to New York, Washington D.C., Boston, and other major cities. Visitors can reach the shrine by taxi, bus, or local subway from the station.
Roadways
The Basilica Shrine is located in central Philadelphia and is accessible via major roads including Interstate 76, I-95, and US Route 1. SEPTA provides local bus, subway, and trolley services with multiple stops near the shrine. Intercity bus services such as Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus operate from nearby terminals, within a few kilometers of the shrine.
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