Home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art, the Basilica invites the faithful to reflect on the narrative of divine redemption throughout its mosaics and sculptures. As we meditate on Christ’s sacrifice this Lent, explore five places where Christ’s passion is portrayed at the National Shrine.
1. The Crowning with Thorns mosaic in the Sorrowful Mysteries Chapels
In the Great Upper Church, the third Sorrowful Mystery Chapel mosaic portrays a scene from early in Jesus’ Passion after He was arrested and sent to Herod for questioning. Designed by Eugene F. Kennedy Jr., the shimmering mosaic shows Jesus surrounded by Herod’s soldiers as they mock Him, dressing Him in a cloak and giving Him a crown of thorns. Matthew 27 describes how they spat on Him, struck Him in the face, and taunted, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Yet despite their scorn, Jesus did not retaliate, because He knew that it was all part of His Father’s plan.
Similarly, the Old Testament scene depicted beneath it shows Jehoiachin silently submitting to his captors, the Babylonians. However, unlike Jehoiachin, Jesus’ silent submission did not mean defeat, but rather led to the triumph of His kingdom. The inscription on the mosaic reads: “The breath of our life was held a prisoner.”
2. Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross in the Crypt Church
In the Crypt Church, ceramic tiles depict Simon of Cyrene helping Jesus carry the cross. Intricately crafted by artist Mary Chase Perry Stratton using her unique Pewabic tile technique and iridescent glazes, the scene is portrayed primarily in earthen tones of brown, green, and gold, with gleaming blue and rust accents. This depiction expertly captures the solemnity of the moment when Jesus became so physically weak that He could not continue the journey without aid. This work is part of a larger series of designs created by Stratton which are located in the Crypt Church and feature all fourteen Stations of the Cross.
3. Christ Crucified in the Rosary Garden
At the end of the Rosary Garden walkway stands the Christ Crucified statue, marking both the beginning and the end of the Rosary represented in the garden’s winding paths. Made from Carrara marble, this elegant sculpture was designed by Rambusch Decorating Co. and crafted by Franco Cervietti Studios in Pietrasanta, Italy.
4. The Crucifixion in the Dome of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Upon entering the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, visitors are met with a breathtaking dome mosaic portraying Jesus’ crucifixion, made from 100 different shades of variegated gold. Here, the blood and water are shown pouring from Jesus’ side, as John 19:33-34 describes: “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.”
In this depiction, Mary can be seen at Christ’s feet, alongside 19 other figures representing a universal offertory procession.
5. The La Pieta Sculpture in the Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel
The Chapel of Our Mother of Sorrows features a life-size marble sculpture of La Pietà, depicting the sixth of the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Mary holding Jesus as He is taken from the Cross. Crafted from Trani marble, it was made by artist Ernest E. Morenon and is reminiscent of Michelangelo’s La Pieta sculpture, which has been on display at the Old St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for over 500 years.
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.
Looking for ways to infuse new life into your penitential practices this Lent?
As we prepare our hearts to honor Christ’s death and resurrection, we invite you to discover five inspirational devotionals to read during Lent in our latest Basilica Book Club post.