A new series of postcards of the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica is now available, announced Brother Philip M. Kanfush, O.S.B., Director of the Basilica Gift Shop.

The postcards feature two interior and two exterior views of the Basilica, built over a 14-year period from 1891-1905 by Benedictine monks, assisted by lay craftsmen. The views are the first postcards of the Basilica since major renovations were undertaken in 1996-97. The renovations included a new roof, cleaning of exterior bricks, replacing the old slate steps, painting the interior and restoring the artwork and all of the stained glass windows.

“We hope to introduce more postcards in the series every few months,” said Brother Philip. The Basilica Gift Shop, located on the first floor of Saint Vincent Parish Center, adjacent to the Basilica, is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The shop will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 for the feast of Christmas.

The shop offers a wide range of religious articles, along with holiday ornaments and monastery cookbooks. The four new postcards are the work of three area photographers, including John S. Hudock and Emil Kuhar of Greensburg and Kim Metzgar of Export.