For Daniel Waddell, The Basilica has been both a spiritual home and the setting for some of life's most profound moments - including the baptism of his first child, Ollie, in early 2025.

Daniel first encountered The Basilica during college, when he realized how much he missed the rhythm and richness of Catholic Mass. Though his family was not Catholic, he had attended Catholic school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After drifting away from religious practice early in college, he felt a pull to return.

By his senior year at the University of Minnesota, he sought out RCIA (now OCIA), the process for adults entering the Catholic Church. The Basilica happened to be the closest parish to his Uptown apartment offering the program. "I quickly discovered what a remarkable parish and community it is," he said. Even after moving to Saint Paul, he kept returning for the beauty of its liturgies, especially during Holy Week.

In 2024, shortly after his son's birth, Daniel joined the Legacy Society. Becoming a parent spurred him and his wife, Payton, to prepare a will. "At the same time, The Basilica provided access to free estate planning software, which made the process easier," he said. "Gratefully, we had the means, and I wanted to give back to the parish that has given so much to me."

For Daniel, preserving The Basilica is not just about faith - it's about safeguarding a cultural treasure. "In a country as young as ours, it's rare to find places of such beauty and historical significance that remain alive with a vibrant community," he said. "The Basilica is both a sacred

space and a cultural treasure, and we must do everything possible to protect and preserve it for future generations."