The Scriptures are filled with examples of how angels have played key roles in serving God. They act as messengers and heralds – like Saint Gabriel, who announced to Mary that she would bear the Savior of the world – or as warriors, like Saint Michael, who fought spiritual battles against demonic forces. They serve as guardians, watching over and protecting us, fulfilling God’s will on earth.
Throughout the Basilica, you’ll find the diverse range of angels’ unique characters depicted in mosaic, sculptures, and more. As we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, on September 29, we invite you to discover five of the most stunning angel portrayals at America’s Catholic Church.
1. Gabriel in the Annunciation Chapel
One of the best-known angels in the Bible, Gabriel is known for delivering important messages to God’s people – in particular, revealing to Mary that she would bear the Christ Child. In the Annunciation Chapel in the Great Upper Church, you can find this moment portrayed in shimmering gold mosaic. Here, he appears along with Mary in gentle shades of blue and pink, while the Holy Spirit, represented by a dove, radiates a luminous beam from above.
This moment is depicted with the Old Testament parallel of Moses and the burning bush, where Moses is charged with saving his people. The text in the chapel reads, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” from John 1:14, highlighting how God came to save us just as He called Moses to save the Israelites.
2. Michael the Archangel in the Trinity Dome
The Bible refers to Michael as an “archangel,” indicating a degree of authority in an angelic hierarchy. He serves not only as a messenger, but as a fierce warrior, leading battles against demonic forces. Jude 1:9 tells us that Michael “argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses,” and Revelation 12:7-8 describes Michael’s battle against the dragon in heaven. In the Trinity Dome, you can find Michael portrayed beside Jesus and Mother Teresa. In this depiction, he holds a sword before him, and is clad in armor, wearing shades of purple, red, and gold. Read more about St. Michael.
3. Cherubim in the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden Mosaic
In addition to messengers and warriors like Gabriel and Michael, the Bible mentions two other kinds of angels: the seraphim, who praise God (Isaiah 6:2-7), and the cherubim, who serve in a variety of capacities throughout Scripture. After Adam and Eve sinned, God sent down cherubim to guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:24 states:
“He expelled the man, stationing the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword east of the garden of Eden, to guard the way to the tree of life.”
In the Basilica, this moment is depicted in the soffit mosaic Expulsion from the Garden of Eden in the Great Upper Church. The scene is accented with text on the left reading, “Through Eve death,” and on the right, “Through Mary life.”
This portrayal is striking for its dynamism; here, you see an angel not as a serene messenger, but in mid-flight, wielding a sword above its head.
4. Dominations in the Christ in Majesty Mosaic
The focal point of the Great Upper Church, the Christ in Majesty mosaic depicts the Lord in glory and majesty, sitting upon a rainbow throne. Among the nine angels featured in the mosaic, the three angels in the center are perhaps the most arresting – both in magnitude and dress. Known as “dominations” in the angelic hierarchy, they wear luxurious orange robes glittering with gold, each one bearing symbols representing their particular roles. On the left, the minister of temporal things is marked with a tree; in the center, the minister of contemplation is marked with the eagle; and finally, on the right, the minister of spiritual things is marked with the cross.
5. Angels in the Our Lady, Queen of Peace Chapel
Opposite the Our Lady of Bistrica Chapel in the Crypt Church, you can find two angels portrayed in the Chapel of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. Set against a shimmering blue mosaic background and clad in robes of white and red, these angels hold a crown above the Blessed Mother, while olive branches burst from the ground beneath her. On the arch at the chapel entrance is the text: “May the peace of Christ hold sway in your hearts.” The Croatian Catholic Union and the Croatian people of the United States and Canada provided this chapel in response to the pleas of the Bishops of the United States for world peace.
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.