Do you know the origins of the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary? It was first instituted by Saint Pius V in 1573, following the extraordinary victory of the Christian naval fleet over the Turks at Lepanto. Tradition holds that the victory was achieved almost effortlessly, although the opposing fleet was nearly three times their size – a miracle which the faithful attribute to the soldiers’ fervent prayer of the Rosary. Now, over 450 years later, Catholics around the world continue the tradition of the Rosary, looking to the Blessed Mother for protection.
As we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary this week, we invite you to discover four places where you can find Mary honored under this title at the Basilica.
The Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel
Located in the Great Upper Church, the Basilica’s Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel memorializes the tradition that the Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Dominic during the 13th century and bestowed on him the devotion of the Rosary. It features a Botticino marble statue of Our Lady of the Rosary offering her son Jesus to the world, set against a flaring reredos carved with 15 golden flames signifying the 15 mysteries in the Dominican Rosary. The dome mosaic is a study in blue, spangled with eight-pointed stars – one of the symbols of Saint Dominic and the Blessed Mother.
The Oratory of Our Lady of Fatima
Another appearance of Mary as Our Lady of the Rosary which is honored in the Basilica is Our Lady of Fatima. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared on May 13, 1917, to three shepherd children near Fatima, Portugal. The first sighting was followed by five additional sightings – and in each, she asked the children to practice devotion to her Immaculate Heart and to pray the Rosary daily for the conversion of sinners. During the last sighting, she told the children she was the Lady of the Rosary and gave them a message of prayer, peace, and penance. In the Oratory of Our Lady of Fatima, you can find a bronze statue of the Blessed Mother holding a Rosary, standing barefoot on a pile of leaves. The soft lines of her gown and motion of her mantle give a gentle realism to this portrayal.
The Rosary Walk and Garden
On the grounds of the Basilica, you can find Mary honored as Our Lady of Fatima in the Rosary Walk and Garden in a Carrara marble statue. In this portrayal, Mary is depicted holding a Rosary, standing on a cloud with her hands clasped before her. An imperial crown sits on her head, blooming with flowers, and delicate ornamentation trails along the borders of her mantle. She is surrounded by marble portrayals of the shepherd children of Fatima and two sheep.
The walkway of the Rosary Garden is designed to resemble a Rosary strand with beads. Its path winds to five different granite arches, with each arch containing a set of one decade of the Rosary. At the lower west side of the garden, a statue of the crucified Christ forms the beginning and end of the Rosary. Both statues were designed by Rambusch Decorating Co. and crafted by Franco Cervietti Studios in Pietrasanta, Italy.
The Our Lady of Pompei Chapel
Did you know that Our Lady of Pompei is also known as Our Lady of Victory, with the Rosary seen as a spiritual weapon in the battle against sin and evil in the world? In the Basilica’s Our Lady of Pompei Chapel, you can find a mosaic recreation of the painting of Our Lady that can be found in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Pompei. This depiction portrays Mary against a backdrop of shimmering gold, with 12 stars encircling her head. Sitting on her knee is the infant Jesus, who holds a Rosary in one hand. The chapel is adorned with a crucifix that was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to the Basilica, as well as depictions of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.
Sources:
Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words, Sister Maria Lúcia.
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.
