A donation is enabling a renovation project to begin on a century-old tourist attraction in northeast Iowa. The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville is now undergoing a year-long re-vamping. Reverend Edward Petty is rector of the basilica and says a Dyersville couple made a bequest specificially for the 500-thousand dollar renovation project. Reverend Petty says the contractor chosen to revitalize the structure has a great record, dating way back to when the building was first built.Petty says the project will benefit the many tourists who visit and the people who worship there.The church still plans to hold masses in the basilica throughout the year, despite all of the work that’ll be underway.
