Our artists returned to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta, Ohio, to continue the sacred art, liturgical design, and church restoration work that Rohn & Associates Design began nearly eight years ago. As part of this ongoing multi-year project, we introduced detailed liturgical elements throughout the basilica, reinforcing its Catholic heritage and devotional focus while harmonizing with the historic architecture and existing sacred artworks.
They applied gold and antiquing to the protective reliquary iron grille under the custom Italian marble altar that holds relics of various saints and a new relic of Saint Pope John Paul II. Small white Carrara marble statues of the Twelve Apostles and Jesus Christ support the altar's striking marble mensa (top). Varying shades of gold mosaics create a brilliant sense of light, emphasizing each carved image that stands as a reminder of the sacrifice of Christ during Mass and the Eucharist.
The custom Catholic ambo incorporates miniature statues of the Four Evangelists—Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John—into its design. The Four Evangelists are the writers of the four Gospels, through which the life, teachings, Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are made known to the faithful. Their presence is especially fitting at the ambo, where the Gospel is proclaimed during Mass, connecting this custom liturgical furnishing directly to the Word of God.
We also installed full-round miniature white Carrara marble statues of contemporary saints to encircle the new baptismal font, which Monsignor Michael Campbell and Rolf carefully selected to resonate with those experiencing the sacred Rite of Baptism. As the first Sacrament of initiation, Baptism is a communal celebration in which the faithful bear witness and share responsibility for welcoming new members into Christ’s Church.
These saints—St. Junipero Serra, St. Pius XII, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Damien of Molokai, St. John Neumann, and St. John Paul II—are joined by St. John the Baptist, forming a circle of holy witnesses around the baptismal font and reflecting the lifelong journey of Catholic faith. Artists Victoria and Julian Christina stenciled each saint’s name in gold leaf at the base of the font to honor their significance. Designed to harmonize visually with the altar and ambo, these subtle yet meaningful additions embody our attention to detail and serve as quiet reminders of God’s presence during the most vital moments of Catholic life.
The restoration is ongoing, and every year Monsignor Campbell takes another step in giving witness to the faith—shaping a place that provides a glimpse of the New Jerusalem, where one can pray and celebrate the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus. While executing this sacred artwork, it was inspiring to see a group of Japanese Catholic and non-Catholic pilgrims celebrating Mass with the parish community. Visitors come from all over the world to share in this holy space.
