Celebrated on August 22, the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary was first instituted by Pope Pius XII over 70 years ago to honor the queenship of Mary over heaven and earth. In his encyclical “Ad Caeli Reginam,” he proclaimed:
“From the earliest ages of the Catholic Church, a Christian people… has addressed prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. And never has that hope wavered which they placed in the Mother of the Divine King, Jesus Christ; nor has that faith ever failed by which we are taught that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, reigns with a mother’s solicitude over then entire world, just as she is crowned in heavenly blessedness with the glory of a Queen.”
In today’s post, we invite you to explore five places where Mary is honored as queen in the art and architecture of the Basilica – from intricate wood carvings to towering stone sculptures!
1. The Mary, the Immaculate Queen of the Universe Relief
On the North Façade of the Basilica’s exterior, you can find Mary the Immaculate Queen of the Universe depicted in a 16-foot tall relief sculpture. Created by artist Ivan Meštrović, this sculpture portrays Mary standing on earth surrounded by stars, supported by the archangels Gabriel and Michael.
2. The Our Lady of Bistrica (Queen of Croatia) Chapel
The Marian tradition of Our Lady of Bistrica finds its origin in the 13th century. When the Turks invaded the town of Bistrica in 1545, the statue of Our Lady was hidden by a priest who wished to protect it. However, the priest died without telling anyone where he hid the statue, and it was lost for 40 years before it was discovered again, when the statue emanated a bright light from the wall of the church. In 1880, the statue also survived a massive fire that destroyed the majority of the church. Due to its unique history, the statue became a symbol of the enduring faith of the Croatian people.
At the Basilica, the marble statue of Our Lady of Bistrica depicts Mary holding the Infant Jesus and standing on the head of Satan. Both Mary and Jesus wear crowns, while the pink marble altar is inscribed with the words: “Maria Bistrica, pray for us” in Croatian. Seven rondels around the Blessed Mother depict various Croatian saints and images.
3. The Our Lady, Queen of Peace Chapel
Opposite the Our Lady of Bistrica Chapel in the Crypt Church, you can find Mary portrayed as queen in the Chapel of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. Set against a shimmering blue mosaic background is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by shining white marble walls. The statue is framed by two angels holding a crown above the Blessed Mother, whilst 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 Bishops of the United States’ pleas for world peace.
4. The Our Lady of Aparecida Oratory
The newest oratory added to the National Shrine, the Our Lady of Aparecida Oratory was dedicated on September 14, 2024. Intricately carved from dark wood, the Basilica’s Our Lady of Aparecida sculpture is adorned with a deep blue mantle bearing the flags of Brazil and the Vatican, symbolizing her connection to both the country where her devotion originated, and the Catholic faith. Upon her head rests an imperial crown, symbolizing her queenship over heaven and earth. Over 7,000 pilgrims from across the United States and Brazil gathered to mark the historic moment when the patroness of Brazil was enthroned in the United States for the very first time.
5. The Mary, Queen of Nations Tympana
High upon the walls of the East Tympana in the Great Upper Church, three breathtaking relief sculptures honoring the attributes of Mary are inlaid above the sanctuary doors. Designed by Cascieri & di Bicarri, the center relief portrays Mary, Queen of Nations and Patroness of Pilgrims, flanked by reliefs of Mary, Ever Virgin, and Mary, Mother of God. In this depiction, Mary stands with the Christ Child in her arms, while crowds of pilgrims from every nation flock to her, kneeling in respect.
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.
