By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-03-11 16:55:57 | Updated at 2025-03-12 06:00:39
13 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // A new Catholic nonprofit with an innovative model has assumed ownership of the historic Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit in Michigan, giving the parish, which currently faces millions of dollars in repairs, a stable path forward to maintain its mission.
The Catholic Initiative, launched by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, is aVatican-approved nonprofit, as CatholicVote previously reported. Its model ensures that Catholic institutions have a permanent right to continue using their properties for their Catholic mission, as well as guaranteeing long-term restoration and maintenance through its 200-year lease program.
The basilica, which is the second-oldest parish in the United States, currently faces $30 million in repairs, according to a March 10 CBS News report.
Detroit Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron explained in a media release, “Due to the Basilica’s age and significance, Ste. Anne Parish would have needed to enter a state of perpetual fundraising, often at the expense of its missionary efforts, to undertake the extensive renovations and costly maintenance work required.”
Now, The Catholic Initiative will work with Ste. Anne on the basilica’s restoration and create a $20 million endowment for future repairs and maintenance that will also support an on-site priest for the parish. Ownership of the building transfers to a newly formed 501c3 organization
CBS reported that a significant portion of the restoration funding will come from a $111 million commitment the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation has made for such projects.
Monsignor Charles Kosanke, rector of the basilica, announced the change at Sunday Masses March 9. .
“Today, with this announcement, Ste. Anne is blessed to move forward into the future with a firm financial foundation, thanks to the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and its new Catholic Initiative,” Msgr. Kosanke said. “With God’s blessing and a lot of hard work, their hope is to help other parishes like Ste. Anne all over the United States.”
The neo-gothic basilica was built in 1886, making it the oldest parish in Michigan. It serves English and Spanish-speaking communities, and is a popular site for Catholic weddings.
Under the 200-year lease, Ste. Anne will continue to use the church building and properties while the Catholic Initiative will own the building and take care of maintenance and repairs.
