What a beautiful place. Went here for the Sunday 9am mass for lent. It was packed. The congregation is so diverse and included all ages, races, and genders. Just a neat group of people. The mass itself was nice. The priest who lead it was relatable and seemed kind. It wasn't the most intellectual mass but had a good lesson. The grounds itself were beautiful and I walked around for a bit. Parking at the underground lot next door. And they had donuts after mass in the downstairs basement. read more

See all

On a recent visit to Phoenix, I found myself walking around downtown on a Saturday morning and wandered into the beautiful gardens of St. Mary's Basilica. It was incredibly peaceful with the lush grasses, shady trees and water fountain. There are also lovely statues throughout the garden that represent different religious figures. Inside, the church is full of history and beautiful mission style architecture. The stained-glass windows are nice and the ceilings are tall which make for a neat environment when you want to meditate or reflect on life. There is a dedicated parking lot, but it appears to require a permit. I was staying at a nearby hotel, so I just walked. Take note that it's near the convention center, so during events you might be facing a bit of traffic. I did not attend a formal service, but felt very welcome and comfortable stopping by for a few minutes on my own. read more

See all

Attended Christmas midnight mass and although they provide a beautiful setting and well done service..:they need to work on acoustics inside. Outside from the street they blast every word but if you're inside you can barely hear them as they've obviously spent money on outside systems. Otherwise a beautiful experience! read more

It's an amazingly beautiful old basilica! The music is phenomenal and the atmosphere is one of Catholic Church roots with pipe organ sounds and male voices that sound like chanting read more

My son was baptized there and it's a beautiful landmark. Haven't been to this Basilica much recently but thought sermons could be more inspired. read more

It's great for an old Catholic Church and the unique architecture is attractive.The confessionals are unique and located prominently

This review is intended for tourists. Please remember that this church has an active congregation and respectful tourists are welcomed. Try to visit during the week. The sacrament of confession is generally held on Friday, and Mass on Sunday busy the minor basilica on those days The building is Spanish mission style on a grand scale. All the religious trappings are evident: sculptures of saints, stained glass beauty, vaulted arched ceiling etc all well done. Enter the front double doors and one is enveloped in a cool rush of air scented by the many votive candles lit by devotees seeking favor with St. Mary. Consider it a quiet respite from the busy city streets left behind. A huge carved stone basin sits imposingly centered as one leaves the large atrium to enter the chapel. It chills the holy water within the faithful dip the fingers of their right hand before making the sign of the cross upon entering. I feel compelled to do the same when I visit. If a large candle near the altar is lit that indicates that consecrated bread is on the altar and crossing in front of the altar without genuflecting is disrespectful so please stay to the sides and rear of the the aisles to admire the edifice. Donations are appreciated and there is a cute little gift shop under the stairs outside worthy of a gander. read more

What a beautiful atmosphere. I went on Father's Day weekend and really enjoyed the service. There were 2 children being baptized and that was enjoyable to be a part of. read more

How do you review a church? As a parishioner? As a sightseeing tourist? As an admirer of architecture and design? Because of the people who work there? In my case I am reviewing it because I visited it as a venue to hear the gifted Irish tenor Emmet Cahill perform to a small group one cold winter night. I won't review his performance here but it was well worth the visit. As a local Phoenix resident St. Mary's has long been on my list of places to see, I've walked by it dozens of times when attending functions at the convention center (which is unfortunately right across the street and blocks any good visual perspective of viewing the exterior of the church). I always assumed St. Mary's was the seat of the local Catholic diocese just because it is the oldest and most historic church in Phoenix, but no, the diocese is actually based at the Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude. Architecturally St. Mary's is majestic yet oddly serene and non-ostentatious inside in a modified Spanish mission style. There is a nice balance between the appearance of art from the middle ages and stark modern pastel colors. It looks like a comfortable place to visit whether you are of the Catholic faith or not. By the way I understand for those who favor the more traditional Catholic traditions, such as masses in Latin, Gregorian chant by a choir, incense, etc. that this is the place to come. I met some of the Franciscan friars who administer the church and they are friendly, down-to-earth and fun to be with. The church is fortunate to have a talented musical director, Gordon Stevenson, and a beautiful pipe organ which accompanied Mr. Cahill for his final song. The acoustics are excellent, without the hollow echo sound heard in many churches. One final note, I purposely did not include detailed photos of the inside of the church to not be a spoiler for those who wish to visit and experience it first-hand. read more

See all

It's a beautiful and historic Basilica loacted in Downtown Phoenix right across from the convention center. It is smaller than I thought, but beautiful nonetheless. Named a historic site by Pope John Paul II his statue is right outside. There is also a pretty fountain in the courtyard. There is a small parking lot with posted signs that you have to be registered with the parish to park there. The first time I went was in the early evening and it was closed, so please check the hours accordingly before your visit. read more

See all

I attended their annual St Francis of Assisi - Blessing of the Animals (honored every year on October 4) event early this afternoon with my Shih Tzu dog Romeo for the 1st time. Romeo, among other dogs and a turtle, in attendance was blessed with a sermon and holy water. We explored the beautiful church grounds throughout the event. I love the statues of St. Francis, Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa, and also the children formed in a circle. The pope visited the church in 1987. I also love their very Bermuda-green grass. which Romeo loved to lounge on because it was cool ;) The Mission Revival-Spanish Colonial Revival building was established in the early 1900s and staffed by Franciscan Friars. It was registered with the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It is a respected member of Phoenix history. Maybe someday in my future visit, I'll view the inside (for the 1st time)... My thanks to the Friars for your services! read more

St. Mary's Basilica - Me + my dog Romeo @ the annual Blessing of the Animals event. - Churches Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We are staying downtown and had decided to go to Sunday Mass in St. Mary's Basilica, one of the oldest churches in Phoenix. From the outside, it's an mission style stucco exterior, while inside, all the alters are adorned with statues of the saints, and the pipe organ in the upper balcony is absolutely wonderful to hear. Mass was very old school in that it was sung from start to finish. It lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. Considering the Church is downtown, there were a large congregation present and not everyone looked like a tourist. It's a beautiful old Church worth taking a look at. read more

Another great thing in the area that is free. We were only in the area for 3 days and this was on my list of things to check out. We spent alot of time driving around finding murals and it was looking like we weren't going to have time to stop by. but i mentioned I'd have really liked to see it and my husband rocks. So we found it and took a look .. like church and worth looking around outside, free parking here .. nice stained glass. read more

See all

If you are looking for a classic Catholic church in Phoenix, this is it. St. Mary's Basilica has a beautiful sounding choir, wonderful priests and a historically Catholic feel with architecture and structure. I think it has something to do with the fact that Pope John Paul II visited this basilica years ago for World Youth Day. I've been going to St. Mary's Basilica for years. Ironically enough, Father Vince, who is a priest at St. Mary's Basilica, used to be the priest at St Isidore's in Danville, California which was the church I went to when I was growing up. During the holidays, I make sure I attend mass at St. Mary's Basilica. There's something about the architecture, music, and Mass that makes this a perfect church for those times. However, it's also a great church for Sunday mass. Around 7 years ago, my sister married her husband at St Mary's Basilica and I was lucky enough to be the Maid of Honor. The wedding was a full Mass and made it such a special day for my sister, her husband, myself and everyone who witnessed the ceremony. There isn't much more I can say about St. Mary's Basilica in this review, but I will end this by saying that each Mass is a different experience and it's based on the person attending, but be sure to visit this church and attend a Mass so see if it's right for you. read more

Tranquility and a place to collect your thoughts. St.Mary's Basilica is a classic Roman Catholic church and is a wonderful place to visit if you're in the downtown Phoenix area. The stained glass,statutes, pipe organ, and high cathedral ceilings are spectacular. You have to see the stained glass to truly appreciate its beauty. The combination of stained glass and masonry construction will bring you back to another era. It reminds me of being back East and the time I spent traveling abroad . The outside of St. Mary's Basilica is as beautiful as the inside. The garden is a picturess place to take a causal walk. The garden is shaded for those hot summer days, filled with varuous plants, trees, with a magnificent water fountain in the middle. If your in the downtown Phoenix area and have some time stop by and enjoy the rich historic beauty of the Basilica. read more

I can't describe the feeling of peace I get each time I enter a Catholic church when there isn't mass going on. It's just what the soul/body needs. PEACE! This church is historical & gorgeous. If you love to take pictures this is the place to do it. The light changes & filters through the stained glass & is just stunning. read more

The real deal! If you like your Catholicism quiet and personal with a little organ music and perhaps some donuts after mass, then St. Mary's downtown Phoenix is the parish for you. Originally built in 1881, it is the oldest Catholic Church in Phoenix. Staffed by the Franciscans and located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The masses are traditional, thoughtful and beautiful. The choir is phenomenal and there is an innate sense of family there-even as a guest. read more

St. Mary's is conveniently located in downtown Phoenix and warmly welcomes everyone who enters. My only complaint is the heavy smell of incense before we even entered the church (it wasn't a bad scent, just REALLY heavy). We stepped inside en route to the convention center one day and it was beautiful and inviting inside. Not sure what services they offer, but stop by and check 'em out! read more

Is it wrong to review a church? Maybe. o well. I'm getting maried here next year because I wanted my out of townies to see why i love phoenix. ( or at least what there is to love) I like and appreciate most churches in downtown environments and this place takes the cake. It reminds me of a lot of churches back east, plus its the only basilica in the state. just don't ask me what that means. the building is beautiful, most everyone is nice. And there's less homeless folks milling about than at the older churches back east. Or maybe its just the homeless people here are more well behaved because we have nice churches and good weather? who knows. The only downside to this place is that some parishoners have WAY too many non- well behaved small children with them, who tend to flounce around on the floor and shout. Not cool. read more

Beautiful on the inside; it looks like the Catholic churches of a by-gone era .....but the mass is liberal post modern & completely contrary to the reverence one will find inside much like being served a wonderful meal that is pleasing to the eye only to find it is with out taste, smell or nutrition. For a Mass that is all the things the basilica is lacking, just head south on 7th street to Baseline rd. there you'll find Our Lady Of Sorrows. read more

i love this church!! I found it before i moved to phx and saw that pope john paul went here, how many churches have been visited by the pope in america not many!! Made my three wishes, and love that the door is always open to pray. Also the stained glass windows are amazing!! I go here after my downtown hospital rotations or if I'm in the area!! I also like that they have afternoon mass at 12 and a mass for the deaf how great is that!! love this place a must see phx jem! read more

If you are in the Phoenix downtown convention area and you are Catholic, you owe it to yourself to visit this Catholic Church. It is a church like no other. Its beauty is breath taking from the outside and when you step into this holy cathedral, you get a sense of belonging and feel the spirit overcome your body. It is a sacred place and an experience like no other. read more

It took us a bit to find it as the sign on the property in front says there is a Catholic Church there, but no indication it is St. Mary's Basilica. Once we found the parking lot behind it, we walked through a beautiful park-like setting to the front of the Basilica. The stained glass is magnificent - second only to the Cathedral of St. Paul in Minnesota in our opinion. A truly lovely experience. read more

Beautiful and peaceful. It would be nice to attend a Mass here and hear the pipe organ. The stainless glass windows are stunning and beautiful to look at. Stop by the gift shop on the way out and meet the very friendly ladies and pick up a gift to go. read more

See all

Beautiful 100 year old basilica with beautiful interior, including amazing stained glass. Our pastor, Franciscan friar Father Mike, always has welcoming message warm to all visitors. I especially enjoy the masses when parishioners attend wearing their traditional dress. Great friendly community who drive in from all across the entire valley. Great to see their partnerships with other parishes and even other denomination churches for special events. read more

Beautiful church. Spent Christmas mass here and it was amazing. It is a very traditional Roman Catholic church so no surprises here!

This is one of the few things that I enjoyed in Phoenix. Actually, there is nothing else except the baseball stadium, and lots of spring training stadia...otherwise, Phoenix sucks...A city? I think not... read more

I had the best time here for Midnight Mass/Christmas Eve...I was nervous about bringing my 2 non Cath friends but we left an hour and half early from a nearby Christmas party at this mansion home on Central...with 2 die for furnishings and outdoor wraparound patio/firepit in the wall, and a miniature doll house in the back yard with tiny furniture, lights and a ceiling fan, and teddy bears drinking out of antique tea cups..(ok another story, another day) so we got to park right in the front! How lucky, how incredible, ( I didnt realize there was free underground parking) then the sec guard told us no cops are on duty, just him so park anywhere, no tickets..so I asked him, great, even though we were in a legal space anyways, but lets get priorities straight, where is the hot chocolate? And the guard exclaimed I was the 3rd person who asked him that in the last 5 min but "everything was closed"...the church could have made a fortune sellling hot chocolate that night and no cops=no permit...(note to self, contact church about it)...so we 3 walked around the corner, north, to the Sheraton which was open, had about 3 people at the bar, and we got a pretty tall hot chocolate for 4.00 plus 1.00 tip..Fabulous! So we goofed off outside a bit then went inside and took a couple pics of the neat ceiling, altar, (no flash/just quick snaps from our seat) and the lady behind us, tapped me...and I cringed but she nicely told me about the website, panoramic pics, how its often updated and that we would really enjoy it and welcome because it must be our first time...I noticed the Usher kept coming by and joking with her, and wishing the Merry Christmas...real homey feel of a place for a church...so I asked her if she knew what page the procession of faith was on, (since, sorry MOM- I never have memorized this stretch and constantly feel so idiotic while everyone drowns on and I have to mumble thru the middle part, I know the first and the last...anyway its on PAGE 12...(Note to Self..page 12...) so she was like an Angel...then the 2 girls next to us were hilarious and kept making each other laugh and the one was trying so hard not to laugh that she was shaking the pew...they were a scream, so i asked her what is SO FUNNY..and she was doing the quick wave with her hand and pointing and her friend was making these innocent gestures...it was real entertaining, then the people in front of us were very upbeat and joking with their mom about which one was the favorite daughter and which one was the rebel and the mom exclaimed to us how she loved both equally and the girls had on matching sweaters and it was real entertaining sitting by them also. Then mass started and it was real beautiful. They choked us out with the incense which I love and they even had wine at communion which I had not seen at a mass since I was 7 years old and they passed it around on trays with tiny tiny wine chaliss's. So we had the best seats and my friends werent bored and it was nice there. It ended up being standing room only and we sat 4th row middle. No telling what those seats would have went for on live nation. read more

This is the most. wonderful church I've ever been to! The masses are beautiful and the people are friendly and welcoming! I can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

Having photographed Chicago's three basilicas, I made it a special point to visit St. Mary's. We walked in just as the organist was completing a short and very beautiful recital. He then talked about the church and its interior - very interesting. We had to leave before the tour ended but I can tell you St. Mary's should not be missed. read more

Nearly every day I'm at St Mary's Basilica I encounter someone who shares that during their recent "church shopping",/that St..Mary's Basilica's holiness, energy obviously there from the millions who have been through its doors...brings them to calling this the first Roman Catholic Church in the city their new pastoral home. read more

if you are looking for a nice catholic church, all of them are good but the one I like the best is the basilica st Mary's, choir is divine,the building is amazing, the history is great and the parishioners are so friendly and welcoming. please visit you will love it. read more

Beautiful church...always open. Be sure to look closely at the remarkable stain glass.

My parents were married in this church. I too was also married in this churchwhen I was 18 years old..(.I.m 54 years old now) and went to catachisum( ( like sunday school except on saturday) every Saturday from first grade to 8th grade.. The main church has remained basicly the same however toward the back of the church is were my brothers and I went went to catachisum every Saturday morning, That building is no longer there. Great memories. read more

Beautiful church with a joyous and reverent Mass. People come from far and wide to come worship here. The stained glass is gorgeous, the organ, organist and choir are superb, and the pastor does some great sermons. Any Catholics looking at these reviews, please note that the church recommended by Codie J. may be reverent but it isn't in communion with the Pope and is not a part of the Diocese of Phoenix! If you are looking for Latin mass go to Mater Misericordiae at Monroe and 15th ave. If you are looking for a reverent, beautiful and joyous N.O./Ordinary Form mass, the basilica is the place to go! read more