The Mass was one of several events held in Dunedin at the weekend to mark the anniversary, which included a Novena on Friday and a historical presentation at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum on Saturday evening.
Parish priest the Rev Gerard Aynsley was delighted with the large numbers of people who attended the events.
"There was a wonderful spirit among the people.
"Instead of just coming to Mass and then leaving, it was an opportunity for people to spend the day together. Probably about 80% of those at Mass [yesterday] - about 400 people - stayed for food, music and a bouncy castle afterwards.
"It was great."
The basilica opened in South Dunedin in 1894, and was designed by architect Francis Petre.
The Palladian revival-style building was his first departure from the Gothic style, which was displayed in his St Joseph's Cathedral in Dunedin.
