The Mission Church broke ground in 1874 and was constructed in the Romanesque style. Built chiefly from Roxbury puddingstone quarried just across the street, in what is known today as Puddingstone Park. The stained glass windows were made by Franz Mayer and Co. from Munich, Germany. After the church opened, an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was moved here. Members of the Mission began to report many cures and healed ailments. As reputed cures continued, crutches, braces, and other devices were left as votives at the shrine. The church was elevated to basilica status in 1954 when Pope Pius XII paid a visit. Senator Edward Kennedy’s funeral took place here in 2009. All living presidents were in attendance, along with most of the leadership from Congress.