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.
This month, we’re delighted to share the tenth post in our Walk Through Art blog series, highlighting the sacred art of the Basilica as it corresponds to important Church celebrations and moments in the life of the National Shrine. In this post, discover three art pieces we’re highlighting this October – from the Our Lady of Pompei Chapel to the Our Lady of Bistrica Chapel.
October 7 – The Our Lady of Pompei Chapel
Celebrated on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary was first instituted by Saint Pius V in 1573, following the extraordinary victory of the Christian naval fleet over the Turks at Lepanto. Tradition holds that the victory was achieved almost effortlessly, although the opposing fleet was nearly three times their size – a miracle attributed to the fervent prayer of the Rosary by the faithful and the soldiers.
The tradition of Our Lady of the Rosary has a special connection to the devotion to Our Lady of Pompei. 150 years ago, the cornerstone was laid for a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompei. The church was built through the efforts of an Italian man, now Saint, named Bartolo Longo, who was a convert to Catholicism and sought to encourage devotion to the Blessed Mother. Also known as “Our Lady of Victory,” this Marian title exhorts the faithful to use the rosary as a spiritual weapon in the battle against sin and evil, and is prayed throughout the world today.
In the Basilica, you can find Mary honored under this title in the Our Lady of Pompei Chapel, which features a mosaic recreation of the painting displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Pompei. This depiction portrays Mary against a backdrop of shimmering gold, with 12 stars encircling her head. Sitting on her knee is the Infant Jesus, who holds a rosary in one hand. The chapel is adorned with a crucifix that was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to the Basilica, as well as depictions of the Luminous Mysteries of the rosary.
October 17 – The Our Lady, Queen of Peace Chapel
On October 17, we celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of the Our Lady, Queen of Peace Chapel in 1970. 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. The arch at the chapel entrance reads, “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 Bishops of the United States for world peace.
October 17 – The Our Lady of Bistrica Chapel
Dedicated on the same day as the Our Lady, Queen of Peace Chapel, the Our Lady of Bistrica Chapel honors a Croatian Marian devotion that originated 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.
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.