Why is St Mary's Basilica in Phoenix AZ called a Basilica?

Answer 1

Basilica is a name given to certain ancient churches in Rome and elsewhere which were built in the fourth century and later and were built in the form of the Roman Basilica. The Holy Father also names other Churches throughout the world minor basilicas (the definition above applies to major basilicas). It is simply a title of honor which gives certain ceremonial rights to the clergy who serve it, and honor to the Church itself, either because of its antiquity or some special honor connected to it. The Church were the Benedictines founded their motherhouse in the United States has been named a Basilica: St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, St. Mary's in Phoenix is also a minor basilica.