Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away the morning of December 31, 2022, at the age of 95. Click to read Pope Benedict's own spiritual testament, his obituary, and several articles regarding his illness, death, and funeral. Please pray for the repose of the soul of +Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Ann Fox Miller, who joined the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul when she moved to Alexian Village in 2013, passed away on December 5, 2022. Her funeral Mass was Monday, December 12, 2022, at 11am, at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Signal Mountain. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Ann Miller. Click to read a beautiful tribute to Ann in her obituary.
14-year-old Basilica parishioner, Lorelei Truett, daughter of Lance and Ashley Truett, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, after a seven-month battle with leukemia that was diagnosed on April 27, 2021. Let us surround her family with our prayers. May Lorelei rest in peace. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Lorelei's Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica Saturday, December 11. (Click to read much more about Lorelei, and for ways to support the Truett family.)
Robert Hall Kosky, Sr., passed away on Nov. 23, 2022 at the age of 90. He was a Basilica parishioner and alumnus of Notre Dame High School. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 9:30am, followed by burial at National Cemetery at 11am. Read his obituary here. Please pray for the repose of Robert's soul.
Fr. Christopher Riehl passed away on the night of November 10, 2022, of complications from diabetes. Fr. Riehl was a priest in residence at the Basilica in 2018. He celebrated his 45th birthday on Monday, November 7. A Traditional Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 10:30am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, with receiving of friends at 9:30am. Fr. Riehl will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga, on Priests' Mound at 3pm on Nov. 16.
Traditional Lighting of Luminaries on All Souls Day in remembrance of deceased loved ones, following 5pm Vespers on Nov. 2. Cost is $5 per luminary to support our Under One Roof campaign. Submit order & fee to Debbie Cliche after Mass or to the parish office. Orders due by Thurs. Oct. 27. Click for details and to order.
Mary Cecilia Brewer, who had been a parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul and OLPH, has passed away at the age of 98. Please pray for the repose of her soul. A funeral Mass will be offered at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul Friday, October 14, at 9:30am. All are invited. Mary Cecilia Brewer worked in the offices of Sts. Peter and Paul and Notre Dame High School in the mid-20th century. Click to read Mary Brewer's obituary.
Basilica parishioner Luerena Fleming, 95, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022, at her residence. Dcn. Gaspar DeGaetano will lead a Graveside Service at Chattanooga National Cemetery Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 at 2pm. Among others, Luerena is survived by her daughter Rita Fleming Lyttle and her daughter-in-law Daisy Fleming. Click to read Luerena's obituary. Please pray for Luerena's soul and for her family.
The Basilica St. Mary Magdalene Bereavement Ministry is now hosting a grief support meeting twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, from 6:15-7:15pm (please note the new, earlier time) - in the St. Dominic Religious Education Building. All who have lost a loved one are invited. Find out more about our ministry and explore bereavement resources on our web page.
James David Poole Sr., 79, died peacefully with his family on July 24, 2022. A lifelong Catholic, David was a devotee of the traditional Latin Mass and continued to watch the Basilica's Sunday livestream when he could no longer attend in person due to Alzheimer's. Please pray for James David Poole's soul. Click to read about his life.
+Felipe Ramos-Lopez, Basilica parishioner, died on April 2, 2022 at the age of 59. Survivors include his wife Maria Florinda Simon Ramirez, and ten adult children. A funeral prayer service will be held Saturday, April 9, at 12pm at Advantage Funeral Home on McCallie Ave. Please pray for the eternal repose of Felipe's soul.
This past season in our parish, there have been several deaths of parishioners and family members, and we are grieving these losses as a community. We are expanding our St. Mary Magdalene Bereavement Ministry to provide accompaniment to all who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We have started a grief support program, offering meetings, prayer partners, and coping resources. If you would like to learn more and participate, click for details.
+Marsha Conway Salter, a longtime Basilica parishioner, passed on Feb. 22, 2022, following a period of illness. She and her husband Jim had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Basilica in 2019. Please pray for the repose of Marsha's soul.
Rudy Marquez passed away the morning of 3/9/22 after pneumonia following COVID-19. Rudy was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Jude. Rudy's wife Lupita was the Basilica's Parish Secretary for several years. Click for more information and to access a meal train for the Marquez family.
Martha Rose Skelly, sister of the late pastor of the Basilica, Msgr. George Schmidt, and wife of Lawrence Skelly, passed away on 3/2/22, after several years with Huntington's disease. Visitation will be from 7-8pm Sun. 3/13/22 at the Chattanooga Funeral Home. Click to see Martha's obituary and photos.
Long-time Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner, Elizabeth (Betty) Hogan, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022, at the age of 92. Betty had been attending the Basilica faithfully until she moved to The Bridge assisted living facility. Please join in praying for her soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
+Catherine Ann Nuccio, sister of Basilica parishioner Robert Nodes, passed away on Jan. 26, 2022. She will be buried at Mount Olivet on Friday, Feb. 4, at 10am. May her soul rest in peace. Please pray for her family during this time of mourning. Click to see her obituary and a video tribute.
After the past year with no receptions, we are preparing to resume our Reception Ministry gradually as the safety provisions allow. We need your help! The Reception ministry is an ideal opportunity for new and long-time parishioners to exercise hospitality, share your talents, get involved in our activities, and connect with fellow parishioners. Click to find out more...
Please pray for the soul of +James Monroe Price - age 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021, after a time of illness. He was born on February 17, 1940. Mr. Price had been a long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul. Graveside service and burial will be held January 7, 2021, at 2pm, at Mount Olivet Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
+Jo Anne Gore Schmitt, mother of Basilica parishioner Julie Schmitt Gersch (married to Kevin Gersch) and grandmother to Harrison, Holden, and Hannah Gersch, passed away on Dec. 15 after a brief illness. Before she passed, she was aware and appreciative of the prayers of the Basilica parishioners, and she asked that we continue to pray for her. Jo Anne was a lifelong devout Catholic and contributed so much to the community where she lived. Click to read her life story.