This year, on December 9, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Patronal feast day of the United States of America, and of the Basilica! As we honor Our Lady under this title, we invite you to discover seven places where she is portrayed as the Immaculate Conception at the National Shrine – from towering sculptures to intricate mosaics.
The Immaculate Conception Mosaic
A gift from Popes Benedict XV and Pius XI, this breathtaking mosaic contains 250,000 pieces of natural stone in 35,000 different hues, sanded smooth to resemble a painting. Created over the course of about five years, it is based on a famous oil painting by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, La Purísima Bionda.
The Immaculate Conception Stained Glass Window
In addition to serving as the inspiration for the Immaculate Conception mosaic, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s La Purísima Bionda also led to the creation of a work of stained glass. This rendering of the Immaculate Conception was created by artist Arthur DeCarlo in 1992 and can be found on the lower level of the Basilica across from the Mother of Divine Providence Oratory.
The Trinity Dome
The Trinity Dome took over two years to complete from start to finish. Made with 14 million tesserae, it covers a total of 18,299 square feet. Pictured in the mosaic are the Blessed Trinity, the Immaculate Conception, 18 saints, two archangels, four choir angels, and four evangelists. It is the third dome on the path to the Christ in Majesty mosaic and was dedicated on December 8, 2017. This depiction of Mary the Immaculate Conception stands at 31.5 feet tall and nearly 33 feet wide.
The Great Upper Church Baldachin
Step into the Sanctuary of the Great Upper Church, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the Immaculate Conception Baldachin. At over 46 ft. tall, it lends a strong Roman character to the sanctuary, with four Spanish marble columns supporting the dome, crowned with a 7 ft. tall statue of Mary Immaculate. The baldachin was created by artist George Snowden and was gifted to the Basilica by Our Sunday Visitor and individual members of the hierarchy.
The West Tympana
Located above the interior doors on the western side of the Great Upper Church are three tympana sculptures. Made from marble, each of these works depicts significant Marian doctrines and their dates of affirmation, including the Immaculate Conception, which was officially affirmed in 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
The North Façade
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.
The South Façade
Gracing the balcony above the center door of the South Façade is a second sculpture crafted by Ivan Meštrović, titled: Mary Immaculate with Angels. Beneath it the text reads: “Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem, the Joy of Israel, the Honour of our people.”
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.