Parishioners and visitors at St. Finnan’s Basilica in Alexandria with accessibility needs had an easier way to access the building during Easter celebrations.
On Good Friday, the parish announced that its new accessibility lift and exterior ramp were now operational, meaning it is now easier for people in wheelchairs or with other mobility limitations to enter and exit the historic church. Construction of the new lift and ramp which also required a small addition to the landmark building, has been taking place for several months and required a $250,000 fundraising effort.
The current St. Finnan’s Basilica was constructed between 1883 and 1885. It served as the seat of Diocese of Alexandria founding Bishop Alexander Macdonnell and served as the diocesan cathedral until 2020 when the former Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall was merged with the Archdiocese of Ottawa to form the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. Macdonnell had served as chaplain of the Glengarry Fencibles regiment in Scotland and later persuaded the British government to grant land to members of the regiment in Glengarry County, establishing the foundation of the area’s Scottish heritage.
Submitted photos
