DIFFERENCES BETWEEN. A Parish, a Cathedral, a Basilica and a Shrine

 Occasionally, Catholics use theses four churches without knowing their differences, some may refer to a "Basilica" as a chapel Andrew some may see a Cathedral as a "Parish" while some may consider a parish as a Cathedral meanwhile it is not the case because they are not familiar with their differences. Let's look at it.

The Various differences between a Parish, Cathedral, Basilica and a Shrine.

A PARISH.

According to the code of Canon law, 2179, "A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular church". The pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to the pastor as it's own shephered under the authority of the diocesan bishop. It is also a place where all the faithful can come together for the Sunday celeberation of the Eucharist.

A CATHEDRAL.

According to Hugotseminarista, the name cathedral is given to churches that are the " hub" of each dioces, where the bishop typically presides at important liturgies. A Cathedral is the chief church of the doices and in itself is also a parish church. The bishop is  technically the pastor of the cathedral parish and appoints a rector to manage it's spiritual and temporal affairs. Note not all Cathedrals are parish churches.

A BASILICA.

According to Catholic mission desciples, the term basilica was used to identify churches of historic and spiritual importance. The church is built in a basilical style  but the key criterion is that they are places of historic and spiritual importance.

SHRINE.

A shrine is a place designated to Foster a belief or devotion. It is also a church or other sacred place where a relic is preserved or it is a place where an apparation has taken place.

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