The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea — Attraction in Key West

The oldest Catholic parish in the state of Florida and the oldest in the Archdiocese of Miami, property in the historic district on the National Register of Historic places. It was established by Spanish Jesuits in 1566, abandoned in 1572 when the missionaries were recalled to Mexico but they returned to Cuba in 1724.

In 1743, two Italian Jesuits from Havana opened a mission chapel on Key West for attendance by natives. Reverend John F. Kirby was sent by Bishop Francis X. Gartland of the Diocese of Savannah to Key West in 1851 and established St. Mary Star of the Sea parish in 1851.

The first permanent Catholic Church on Key West was dedicate don February 26th, 1852, on the corner of Duval and Eaton Streets. It was the 5th Catholic parish established in the State of Florida and the first parish in South Florida.

It is said that when visiting a new town, we should always enter a Catholic Church because we get to see society as it gathers to honor faith.

On Sunday, June 14th, 2015, we entered as people left one Mass and another was about to start, meeting and greeting those we came in contact with.

We arrived as one Mass was ending and another was in the works.

We sat for a while, prayed and left. As we go through the door, the most enchanting family is arriving, they have dressed their little boy with a white suit and I could not help but tell him he was gorgeous and the little kid stopped, we asked for permission and photographed him.

What is simply remarkable is that we went for breakfast and driving back they were leaving the Church, so we opened the window and called him and he starts running toward the car!

Highly recommend stopping and saying your prayers at this enchanting...

A strange experience: visited this place while on vacation last Saturday. The music was awful---so awful there was very little congregational participation. It seems that, with the history and the role this place holds, the music, liturgy and worship SHOULD be better than this. BUT, the kicker is that, after the service, my friend and I introduced ourselves to the minister, who said about three words to us then, in mid-sentence, abruptly walked away from us, went into the front door and closed it! We just stood there dumbstruck. I wonder if he noticed the Magen David around my neck or thought, because two guys were visiting together, we were a couple?? I thought visitors/strangers are supposed to be welcome in a...

Visited Key West for a couple of days in April of 2021 and one of highlights of our trip was attending a daily Mass at this beautiful “House of God”. The building, grounds, school etc. are awe inspiring and the history of love and generosity to the community is laudable. The Mass itself was delightful with the good sisters in attendance and an excellent celebrant, who concluded with the singing of “Ave Maria”. The lovely sunny day, the open doors, the cool morning breeze and even a guest bird flying inside made the experience even more enjoyable and memorable. Thank You, God Bless and Peace Be With You - Mike and Barbara Gerow,...