Basra

BÀSSORA - 'AŠŠĀR, VICARIATO PATRIARCALE di. - B. was an ancient Nestorian diocese, called Prath d'Misa, that is, Mesena. G. S. Assemàni (Bibl. Orient., IV, Rome 1728, pp. 728–29) lists the bishops who governed it from 650 to 1222. In 1860 the Catholic Chaldeans established a patriarchal vicariate there. In 1937 they numbered 2,150; there were 2 priests and 1 church.

A. stands on the eastern bank of the Tigris, opposite B., from which it is not distinct. Nevertheless, a patriarchal vicariate was established there in 1907. In 1937 there were 4,400 Catholics, 2 priests, and 1 church.

(phot. Pont. Commiss. di Arch. Sacra)
BASSILLA – Interior of the basilica of S. Ermete viewed from the entrance. Rome, Via Salaria Vetere.