LEWISTON — The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston will host a New England Festival of Thanksgiving on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the basilica status of the church.

Held in conjunction with The Mark Thallander Foundation, an organization known for bringing inspirational music events to communities nationwide, this evening of sacred music will feature more than 100 voices of the festival adult choir, the Evangel University Chorale and the basilica’s adult, hand bell and children’s choirs.

Saints Peter and Paul Church was raised to the status of a basilica by the Vatican in 2004. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, it is one of less than 60 churches in the U.S. to have received the distinction of basilica.

“This exceptional honor is bestowed based on historical importance or significance as a place of worship with the diocese, artistic value, and the quality of the liturgical prayer,” said Monsignor Marc Caron, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish, of which the basilica is a part.

There is no cost to attend the New England Festival of Thanksgiving, although donations are welcome.

For more information, contact Dave Guthro, communications director for the Diocese of Portland, at 207-321-7810 or at [email protected].