Orlando in Orange County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

Basilica Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 26, 2025

1. Basilica Marker

Inscription.
At this spot, August 22, 1990, Feast of the Queenship of Mary, the Most Reverend Norbert M. Dorsey, C.P., Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, broke the first ground to begin construction of the main Church, which was completed January 31, 1993.

The Shrine stands in testimony to the faith of Catholics throughout the world through whose generous gifts this building was made possible.

May all who visit here find peace and tranquility of soul and that union with the Creator which is the special gift of God to His People.

"And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'" Luke 1:46–47

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1990.

Location. 28° 23.09′ N, 81° 29.736′ W. Marker is in Orlando, Florida, in Orange County. It can be reached from Vineland Avenue north of Little Lake Bryan Parkway, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in embedded into the ground in front of the basilica's east entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8300

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Vineland Avenue, Orlando FL 32821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Florida.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rue de la Falaitte (within shouting distance of this marker); Walt’s Dream (approx. 1.6 miles away); My Little Princess (approx. 1.6 miles away); Amphicars (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Legend of Ol' Man Island (approx. 2½ miles away); Live Oak (approx. 2½ miles away); Runic Writings (approx. 3.3 miles away); Stave Churches (approx. 3.3 miles away).

Regarding Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This basilica's prominent location in Orlando is no coincidence: The land was selected because of its proximity

Basilica and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 26, 2025

2. Basilica and Marker

to Walt Disney World, which is about 10 miles by car to the west, not to mention a prominent spot alongside Interstate 4, which traverses Florida from Tampa to Daytona Beach. The groundbreaking commemorated by this plaque was a milestone in yearslong efforts by the Diocese of Orlando to build a church catering to the Catholics visiting the region's many attractions, including Disney World, which opened in 1971. The first buildings on this 17-acre campus opened in the mid-1980s, and services began in this 2,000-seat church in 1993. It was declared a National Shrine in 2004, and in 2009 Pope Benedict XVI declared it a minor basilica.

Also see . . .
1. Mary Queen of the Universe: History & Heritage.

Excerpt: "Bishop Grady came to the conclusion that the ministry could be more effective if there was a church conveniently located to Disney World and the theme park area. Because the diocese is consecrated to Mary the Mother of God, it was decided to name the proposed diocesan shrine church Mary, Queen of the Universe. The intention was also to honor Christ the King, to proclaim to the millions passing on I-4 that the kingdom of
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 26, 2025

3. Basilica
Christ is present in Central Florida. Monsignor Harte spearheaded the project, committing his considerable vision and energy to its management."

(Submitted on July 7, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Bishop Norbert Dorsey biography. From the Diocese of Orlando

Excerpt: "Bishop Dorsey was installed as the third bishop of Orlando on May 25, 1990. During his episcopacy, the Diocese grew from 235,000 to almost 400,000 Catholics. Bishop Dorsey established the parishes of Holy Cross, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Rose of Lima, and St. John the Evangelist, and the mission of St. Leo the Great in Lake Wales. He oversaw numerous construction, expansion, and renovation projects, including the building of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine in 1993, the establishment of elementary schools for Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Kissimmee; Resurrection Catholic Church and St. Anthony Catholic Church, Lakeland; Annunciation Catholic Church, Altamonte Springs; Holy Family Catholic Church, Orlando and a high school in Ocala, Trinity Catholic High School; and new churches at Queen of Peace,
Photographed by Sean Flynn, July 6, 2024

4. Basilica Interior
Ocala; Prince of Peace, Ormond Beach; Resurrection, Winter Garden; St. Ann, DeBary; St. Mary, Rockledge; and Annunciation, Altamonte Springs. He established a cemetery at San Pedro Retreat Center for priests of the diocese."

(Submitted on July 7, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean Flynn, July 6, 2024

5. Bell tower

St. Michael the Archangel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 26, 2025

6. St. Michael the Archangel

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 896 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on July 7, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 6. submitted on February 28, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.