The Umbrellino

In its origins the umbrellino was a covering used by the papal court to shield the Pope from the sun and inclement weather as he processed through the streets of Rome. Over time it came to be a recognized symbol of the papacy. The display of an umbrellino is granted to those churches that have been designated as a minor basilica. It is made of silk in alternating panels of red and gold. Our umbrellino is located in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the northwest corner.

The Tintinnabulum

As the umbrellino was carried in papal processions to protect the Holy Father from the weather, the tintinnabulum was a bell mounted on a pole that announced the approach of the pope. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine does not possess a tintinnabulum.

The Coat of Arms

Learn about the symbolism of our coat of arms by clicking on this link:
http://www.thefirstparish.org/documents/Miscellaneous/Cathedral_coat_of_arms.pdf

Special Privileges Granted to Worshippers and Visitors
Those who worship in or visit churches that have been given the title of minor basilica may obtain a plenary indulgence on certain days. The word indulgence comes from the Latin indulgentia, to be kind or tender. It originally meant a kindness or favor and later came to mean the remission of a tax or debt. As used by the Church, the word reflects the kindness and mercy of God. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin” (Catechism, §1471).
You can learn a lot more about indulgences by going to this link:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Primer_on_Indulgences.asp

The Days that a Plenary Indulgence May be Obtained in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
On the following days, a plenary indulgence may be obtained by those who participate in a liturgical service or make a devotional visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine:
June 10 – The Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral;
June 29 – The Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul
August 2 – The “Portiuncula” Indulgence
August 28 – The Solemnity of St. Augustine of Hippo, patron of the parish, diocese and city of St. Augustine;
December 4 – The Anniversary of the Date that the title of Minor Basilica was bestowed on the Cathedral
            Also, the faithful may freely chose one day per year upon which to obtain a plenary indulgence apart from the days listed above.

How does a person obtain a plenary indulgence at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine?
To obtain a plenary indulgence a person

1. Must be a Catholic in full communion with the Church, i.e., is not excommunicated for any reason;
2. Must have the intention of obtaining the indulgence;
3. Must take full part in a liturgical service or make a devout visit in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine on the days listed above;
4. Must eliminate all attraction to sin, whether mortal or venial;
5. Must make a confession of sins in the Sacrament of Penance, receive Holy Communion within a reasonable period of time and offer prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. (If possible, the reception of Holy Communion and the prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father should be on the same day.)

Those who are unable to come to church because of illness, incapacity or other serious reasons may also obtain a plenary indulgence in their own homes, or wherever they may be, if, with the soul completely removed from any form of sin, and with the intention of observing the aforesaid conditions as soon as possible, they unite themselves in spirit and in desire to the Supreme Pontiff's intentions and recite the Our Father and the Creed.