Known as the disciple “whom Jesus loved,” St. John the Apostle was not only one of Jesus’ closest friends, but a spiritual teacher for the ages. He is the author of a Gospel account, three epistles, and the book of Revelation. As we celebrate the feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist, on December 27, we invite you to explore five places where he is portrayed in the Basilica.
1. The St. John Chapel
In the Crypt Church, saints are prominently honored in glittering gold mosaic chapels, celebrating centuries of Catholic tradition through the lives of the faithful. Centered around the theme of “the Promise,” the North Apse portrays significant individuals from the events surrounding Jesus’ life and birth – including St. John the Apostle.
The St. John the Evangelist Chapel features Latin text which translates to: “And the Word became flesh,” taken from John 1:14, as well as a depiction of an eagle, which is a symbol traditionally associated with John in sacred art. Both the mosaic and altar frontal feature a goblet with serpents, symbolizing a legend of how John was saved from death when the poisoned wine in his cup turned into snakes.
2. The Our Mother of Africa Chapel
A gift of the National Black Catholic Congress, the Our Mother of Africa Chapel stands in remembrance of the painful history of slavery in the United States and the pillar of hope which Our Lady represented to enslaved peoples. The lateral walls of the chapel are inlaid with bust sculptures of the four evangelists made of gray Bardiglio marble. Here, St. John is wrapped in a cloak emblazoned with his symbol of an eagle, his gaze fixed on the sculpture of the crucified Christ on the opposite wall. In this portrayal, St. John’s countenance reflects a remarkable expressivity.
3. The Trinity Dome
In the Trinity Dome, the four evangelists are portrayed in each of the pendentives, along with their associated symbols. Here, John is shown wearing rich robes of purple and blue, holding a book inscribed with the text of John 1:14. This portrayal incorporates vivid colors and staggering scale, measuring 18 feet tall!
4. The Byzantine-Ruthenian Chapel
In the Byzantine-Ruthenian Chapel, John is featured on one of sanctuary doors of the iconostasis (icon screen). A distinctive feature of any Eastern Rite Church, the iconostasis is a wall that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the chapel and is made up of many different icons and religious symbols. Here, John is portrayed wearing robes of blue and gold, holding a book, his head encircled by a halo. This icon was designed by artist Christine Dochwat.
5. The Southeast Buttress
In the southern façade of the Basilica’s exterior, the two buttresses bordering the great arch contain 13 figures in a design scheme pairing patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament with the apostles and disciples of the New Testament. Here, the Apostle John appears beside Elisha. He holds a goblet with serpents, and an eagle rests at his feet.
Source:
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.
