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National Shrine of the Little Flower

National Shrine of the Little Flower is a church in Royal Oak, Michigan, in the United States, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church as a parish church in the Archdiocese of Detroit. It was completed in two stages between the years given in the source text, and is located at 2100 West Twelve Mile Road. Pope Francis signed the decree making it a minor basilica, and it later became one. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated it a national shrine, the fifth such shrine. Its construction was funded through Father Charles Coughlin’s radio broadcasts in the 1930s.

National Shrine of the Little Flower with its stone crucifixion tower beside the sanctuary and green domed roof.
The National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Michigan, showing the Charity Crucifixion Tower and sanctuary.
December 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The National Shrine of the Little Flower with a tall stone tower and Christ figure beside a rounded building, framed by trees and a grassy foreground.
The National Shrine of the Little Flower’s stone tower rises beside the rounded church building under a bright sky.
1995 © Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided · Public domain
National Shrine of the Little Flower with a tall ornate tower, crucifix relief, and cars parked along the street below.
The National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Michigan, shown in a vintage postcard scene with parked cars and people near the entrance.
February 2011 © Boston Public Library · CC BY 2.0
Relief carvings and decorative stonework on the National Shrine of the Little Flower tower, with a bronze double door in a stepped archway.
Decorative carvings and stone detailing on the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Michigan.
December 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stone holy water font at the National Shrine of the Little Flower with a metal spigot and carved inscription.
A close-up of the holy water font at the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Michigan.
December 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

NameNational Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica
Named afterSaint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as "the Little Flower"
Original language nameLa Basílica Santuario Nacional de la Pequeña Flor
TypeCatholic church, parish church, minor basilica, and national shrine

Historical context

Founded1925
Notable personFather Charles Coughlin
Location contextBuilt in a largely Protestant area
Original construction date1926

Creator

Architect's firmHamlin and McGill, New York
DesignerRene Paul Chambellan
SculptorCorrado Parducci
CarverEnrico (Harry) Liva, chief carver of the Ingalls Stone Company of Bedford, Indiana
ArchitectHenry J. McGill

Discovery and provenance

FundingConstruction was financed through the proceeds of Father Charles Coughlin's radio ministry in the 1930s

Physical characteristics

Architectural styleZigzag Art Deco
Materials of new buildingCopper and stone
Material of original structureWood

Location and ownership

LocationRoyal Oak, Michigan, United States
Address2100 West Twelve Mile Road at the northeast corner of Woodward Avenue
Ecclesiastical affiliationRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit
Associated towerCharity Crucifixion Tower
Associated structureCharity Tower

History and restoration

Minor basilica designationPope Francis designated it a minor basilica on January 31, 2015
Papacy-related designationPope Francis signed the basilical decree; the designation took effect the following day
CompletionCompleted in two stages
Early hostilityThe Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in front of the church within two weeks of opening
Construction period1931 to 1936
Destruction of original structureThe original wooden structure was destroyed by a fire on March 17, 1936

Significance

Designation as national shrineDesignated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as its fifth national shrine

Appearance

BalconyIncludes a small balcony that can serve as a pulpit
Illuminated featureThe sides and rear have windows inside the crucifix that can be lit from within
Terrace wall figureSaint Thérèse of Lisieux carved into the surrounding wall across the terrace facing the crucifix
Flanking figuresJohn the Apostle and the Virgin Mary on the left; a Roman centurion holding a spear and Mary Magdalene on the right
Front carvingsDepictions of the Archangels Jophiel, Raphael, Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel
Doorframe decorationDepictions of items associated with the Passion
Doorway inscription"Charity" and "Christ Crucified" carved above the doorway
Inscription below ChristThe Seven Last Words from the Cross
Upper corner decorationsSymbols of the Four Evangelists
Main figureA large figure of Christ on the cross

Iconography and meaning

PurposeBuilt as a response to the Ku Klux Klan as a "cross they could not burn"
DedicationNamed in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as "the Little Flower"
Depicted elementsSt. John and the Blessed Virgin Mary
Other related elements shownChrist's last words from the Cross; tabernacle; ambo; altar of Saint Thérèse Chapel; Queen of All Saints shrine; interior of the church

Other

Historical imagePostcard from the 1940s
Radio broadcast locationFrom the tower in the 1930s
Reaction after openingWithin days of opening, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in front of the church