“Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God.
It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable.” – Pope John Paul II
For Catholics, sacred art isn’t simply pretty pictures and sculptures; it directs our minds to contemplate the divine, illuminating eternal truths. Throughout the Basilica, you’ll find art that not only reflects the tenets of Catholicism, but art that relates to the celebrations of the liturgical calendar. That’s why this month, we’re delighted to announce the launch of the “Walk Through Art” blog series, highlighting the sacred art of the Basilica as it corresponds to important celebrations in the life of the Church.
In this inaugural post, discover four places at the National Shrine where you can reflect and pray as we celebrate the special events and holy days of June – from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity to the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: The Trinity Dome
Celebrated this week, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity recognizes the doctrine that God is three Persons in one. Just as this doctrine is central to our faith, so is the Trinity given central importance in the Basilica, in the center dome of the Great Upper Church. The largest of the five domes, the Trinity Dome is often referred to as the “crowning jewel” of the National Shrine. This breathtaking mosaic was meticulously crafted by Italian artisans over a two-year period, using nearly 15 million pieces of colored glass. Covering 18,299 square feet in total, it depicts the Most Holy Trinity, the Immaculate Conception, and a procession of saints who have an association with the United States and the National Shrine.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): The Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Celebrated on June 22, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist. As the place of repose for the Eucharist at the Basilica, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel invites visitors to reflect on Christ’s real, true, and substantial presence in the Eucharist. At its center, a cascading golden baldachin representing manna falling from heaven covers the Eucharist, reminding us that God supplies our needs for each day, as He did for the Israelites in the desert. The dome overhead shows the crucifixion, with Mary at Christ’s feet and 19 figures representing a universal offertory procession, while the pendentives depict key miracles in Christ’s earthly ministry, as well as the sacraments of confirmation and baptism. Each of the Popes that have visited the Basilica – Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis – began their visits with prayer in this chapel.
The Global Rosary Relay: The Rosary Walk and Garden
On June 27 at the Basilica, the faithful will participate in the Global Rosary Relay, a 24-hour event where participants from 70 countries around the world pray the Rosary in sequence. At the Basilica, the Rosary is honored, among other places, in the Rosary Walk and Garden. In this peaceful outdoor space, not only are the Mysteries of the Rosary depicted in vibrant mosaic detail, but the walkway is designed to resemble a rosary strand with beads. Its path winds to five different granite arches, with every arch containing a set of one decade of the Rosary. Each set of mysteries has a different-colored border: the Joyful, blue; the Sorrowful, purple; Luminous, white; and Glorious, gold. At the lower west side of the garden, a sculpture of the crucified Christ forms the beginning and end of the Rosary.
The Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel
Celebrated on June 28, the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary honors Mary’s heart for God, her joyful obedience, and her deep interior life. Here at the National Shrine, the faithful can find Mary honored under this title in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, which features a gilded, hand-carved wooden medallion of the Blessed Mother and Child. Surrounded by eight angels carved into the marble of the apse, Mary holds the Christ Child and touches her Immaculate Heart, inviting visitors to contemplate her example of love amidst sorrow. The seal of the Claretian Missionaries, formally known as the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is embedded in the floor of the chapel, while the side wall features a mosaic of Pope Pius XII consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
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.