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Stars in Sacred Art

From the very first chapter of Genesis, where God created the stars to illuminate the night, to the final chapter of Revelation, where Jesus is described as the bright morning star, stars play an important role in biblical narratives. Throughout sacred art, stars also serve as powerful symbols and are often used to represent concepts such as lineage, honor, and guidance.

In today’s post, we invite you to explore eight places where you can find stars portrayed in the art of the Basilica and discover the meaning of their symbolism.

The Great Dome exteriorThe Star of David in the Great Dome

Depicted multiple times in the exterior of the Great Dome, the Star of David represents Mary’s Judaic lineage. Each star contains one of five different Marian symbols: a fleur-de-lis, a tower of ivory, a cedar of Lebanon, a Marian Monogram, and an intertwining “A” and “M” representing Ave Maria.

Star of David

The Star of David in the Trinity Dome Windows

At the Basilica, the Star of David can also be found in the south axis of the Trinity Dome windows, where it is inscribed with the Tetragrammaton – the four Hebrew letters for the name of God. In the two windows adjacent to it, we also find other symbols representing the Godhead. One features a depiction of the Chi-Rho, the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ, while the other portrays a flame, representing the Holy Spirit and the gifts of Pentecost. Together, the three windows encapsulate the Trinity.

Our Lady Star of the Sea rondelThe North Star in the Our Lady, Star of the Sea Rondel

Maris Stella, the “Star of the Sea,” was a name given to Mary by Saint Jerome. Under this title, she is recognized as the patroness of all who sail the seas. The Our Lady Star of the Sea rondel at the Basilica is located in the east narthex of the Great Upper Church and portrays Mary calming the waves while the North Star shines above her head.

The Star of the Sea in the Mary, Queen of All Hearts Chapel

Located in the Great Upper Church, the back wall of the Mary, Queen of All Hearts Chapel is covered in vibrant mosaic tiles that feature the 10 symbols of the Blessed Virgin used in the writings of Saint Louis de Montfort, including the heart; the lily; the mystical rose; “M” over an inverted “V”; the crescent moon; the royal crown; the anchor and rope; the crossed scepters; a joined “M” and “R”; and the Star of the Sea.

Mary, Queen of MissionsA Crown of Stars in the Mary, Queen of Missions Chapel

Throughout various Marian traditions, Our Lady is depicted with a crown of 12 stars, which often symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel. In the Mary, Queen of Missions Chapel, the Venetian glass mosaic shows Mary crowned with twelve stars and holding the earth, with the moon and the serpent beneath her feet.

The Stars in the Our Lady of La Vang Chapel

In the Our Lady of La Vang Chapel, a twelve-pointed star in the floor’s center is reminiscent of the Blessed Mother’s 12-starred crown. The night sky mosaic on the chapel’s ceiling features 24 stars representing each hour of the day, while the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor grace the chapel’s entrance. Within Ursa Minor is a depiction of the North Star, representing the guidance of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.

The Star of Bethlehem in the Rose Window

At the center of the glorious rose window in the west transept, which symbolizes Mary’s motherhood, a Star of Bethlehem can be found. Crowning the letter “M” at the center, the star emphasizes Mary’s role as Jesus’ mother. The edges of the window alternate the Star of Bethlehem with the words of the angels’ greeting: “Gloria” and “Pax.”

The Star of St. Dominic in the Saint Dominic Chapel

According to tradition, when St. Dominic was baptized, a star shone brightly upon his forehead. Afterwards, an eight-pointed star became a symbol of the illumination St. Dominic brought to the faith, as well as the symbol for his order. The star is repeated in different colors in the stunning mosaic ceiling of his chapel at the Basilica.

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.

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