This month, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta, OH, welcomed the installation of a captivating Pelicanus sculpture and mosaic, meticulously crafted by a Rohn artist. In Catholic tradition, the pelican symbolizes Christ’s self-giving love, recalling the belief that a mother pelican wounds herself to feed her young with her own blood. Just as the mother pelican once wounded herself to nourish her young with her own blood, so too did Christ offer Himself for our spiritual sustenance. Framed by a radiant gold mosaic, the Pelicanus also evokes Christ’s divine glory and the promise of eternal life.
In addition to this striking sculpture, our artist skillfully marbleized the wood lectern, giving it the appearance of marble to complement the surrounding liturgical furnishings. Two intricately designed mosaics adorn the front panels, with the upper one proudly displaying the Jerusalem cross, a reminder of the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
The Pelicanus and its gold mosaic are part of Rohn’s comprehensive interior renovation of St. Mary’s Basilica, which encompassed sacred art, liturgical furniture, mosaics, custom church murals, Catholic statues, and interior decoration. Together, these works honor the distinction of St. Mary’s Basilica, using the beauty and symbolism of sacred art to proclaim the Catholic faith and reflect the basilica’s special place as a destination for Catholic pilgrimage and devotion.
