If Laura Schommer and Daniel Waddell represent two generations of Basilica parishioners, Dan and Carol Frenning embody the enduring heart of the community. They joined in 1975, shortly after moving to the Lowry Hill neighborhood in Minneapolis.

"This year marks our 50th anniversary as parish members," Carol said proudly. Back then, the parish was small - just 200 families - and The Basilica School had recently closed. "We've seen the parish change and grow through the 1990s and continue to evolve today," she reflected.

Their connection runs deep. Dan had known Monsignor Berntson, the pastor at the time, and the couple wanted a parish close to home. Over the decades, they watched as The Basilica weathered challenges, including the significant water damage that threatened the church in the 1980s.

Carol, an architectural historian, played a pivotal role in responding to that crisis. In 1991, she helped found the Friends of The Basilica of Saint Mary Foundation, now known as The Basilica Landmark. That effort, she noted, "truly saved The Basilica," rallying support beyond the parish to preserve the building. Carol will continue to serve The Basilica on the liturgical design committee for the coming interior restoration.

As founding members of the Legacy Society, the Frennings see their estate gift as a natural continuation of their lifelong commitment. "We want to see The Basilica restored to its original splendor and to ensure its future for generations to come," Dan explained. For them, leaving a legacy is about honoring those who came before. "We often think about the original parish members and workers who built this beautiful church - their inspiration continues to guide us, and we feel called to carry that legacy forward."