It’s hard to miss the Basilica’s iconic Great Dome, or the staggering silhouette of the 328-feet tall Knights Tower. But did you know that the Basilica’s architecture is also replete with quotations from Scripture? Amidst the litany of saints and figures depicted in marble relief sculptures, you’ll find passages from God’s Word in the ornamentation. These Scriptures often encompass the thematic elements of the spaces where they reside, elucidating the stories of the faithful and the story of God’s providence throughout the ages.
Today, we invite you to learn more about the Scripture featured in the Basilica’s interior art and architecture.
The Incarnation Dome
Entering the Great Upper Church, visitors encounter the massive domes, which tell the story of the Gospel. Beginning with Christ’s coming, the Incarnation Dome is divided into four quadrants, which depict four events of Christ’s early life and ministry: the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Wedding Feast at Cana, and the Transfiguration. The base of the dome is encircled with the passage from John 1:14:
“The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And we saw his glory – glory as of the only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
It is a reminder of God’s physical coming in Jesus, who was both God and man, retaining His glory even as He became human.
The Redemption Dome
The Redemption Dome highlights four redemptive acts of Christ: the Temptation in the Desert, the Crucifixion, the Descent into Hell, and the Resurrection from the Dead. The Scripture of the dome, Revelation 5:9, reads:
“Worthy are you to receive the scroll and to break open its seals, for you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.”
Through Christ’s blood, we are redeemed from sin; He alone holds the power over sin and death.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit Dome
The Descent of the Holy Spirit Dome portrays Pentecost in bold red tongues on a gold background. The dome has multiple verses about the Holy Spirit, emphasizing how He was sent by the Son as well as His vital role in our sanctification:
“In these days, I will pour out my spirit upon all mankind.” — Joel 2:23
“[Jesus] has poured out this spirit that you now see and hear.”
— Acts 2:33
“Send forth your spirit and renew the face of the earth.”
— Psalm 104:30
The Triumph of the Lamb Dome
Overhead, the Triumph of the Lamb Dome demonstrates the kingship of Christ. Victorious over sin and death, He is surrounded by the elders and angels who worship Him in spirit and in truth.
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.” — Revelation 5:12
He alone is worthy of our worship, our true Lord and King.
The Sanctuary
As the visitor approaches the sanctuary, the communion rail serves as a reminder that our delight is found in God, no matter what trials we face on earth. The Latin “Et introibo ad altare dei” comes from Psalm 43:4; the English translation reads:
“That I may come to the altar of God, to God, my joy, my delight.”
The sheaves of wheat demonstrate how He feeds us, His children.
The Christ in Majesty Mosaic
The focal point of the sanctuary is the Christ in Majesty mosaic, an image of Christ as pantocrator, the king and judge. The stained glass windows flanking the mosaic feature two verses from Revelation, which emphasize His sovereignty over the physical creation as well as the spiritual — life and death itself:
“I am the alpha and the omega.” — Revelation 22:13
“I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld.”
— Revelation 1:17-18
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.
Explore the Great Upper Church
Unable to visit the National Shrine in person, but want to see where else the Scriptures are portrayed in its breathtaking art and architecture? Virtually tour the different parts of the Basilica — from the domes of the Great Upper Church to the chapels of the Crypt Church — on our website!