Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, Kentucky, is set to welcome an increased number of visitors this year as it has been designated a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year themed "Pilgrims of Hope." Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre announced that pilgrims visiting the proto-cathedral can receive a plenary indulgence.

Father Randall Hubbard, pastor of the basilica, highlighted its historical significance as the first cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains and part of the Diocese of Bardstown's history. "The designation as a pilgrimage site speaks to the longevity of the church," he stated.

Kim Hovious, pastoral associate at the basilica, emphasized its role in the community with 57 ministries and deep-rooted parishioners. She noted that some families have been part of the parish for generations. "We are a big part of the Bardstown community," she said.

Fred Hagan, a docent with family ties to Bardstown's Catholic roots dating back seven generations, shared insights during tours about his family's connection to both local and archdiocesan history.

As major feasts honoring St. Joseph approach on March 19 and May 1, parishioners look forward to sharing their faith with pilgrims. Father Hubbard encourages visitors to embrace quiet reflection during their visit. "We’re happy that they are able to — in this jubilee year — come to one of the churches in our diocese that has given us hope for 200-plus years," he expressed.

Tours are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by request on Saturdays. The basilica also offers adoration from Monday through Thursday between noon and 7 p.m., with more information available at stjosephbasilica.org.

Hovious shared historical details about construction materials used for building the proto-cathedral such as Kentucky red clay bricks and native limestone cornerstone laid in 1816. She mentioned possible involvement by enslaved individuals during construction efforts led by both Catholics and Protestants.

Visitors can view significant artworks including paintings gifted by European monarchies which adorn walls alongside depictions created by local artist Jim Cantrell featuring familiar faces from within their community posing questions like “Can you see yourself in saints?” Hovious remarked on these connections between art pieces displayed inside this historic site where several works were recovered after being stolen decades ago but now remain intact thanks largely due restoration processes undertaken thereafter preserving them once again among treasures found therein today."

Archbishop Fabre’s decree officially recognizing six sites throughout archdiocese includes Cathedral Assumption Shrine Martin Tours Louisville Church Augustine Lebanon Helen Glasgow Holy Cross Loretto providing additional opportunities those seeking spiritual renewal journeying across region participating meaningful experiences while celebrating faith together collectively embracing shared heritage rich tradition embodied here at St Josephs Proto Cathedral