Our artists returned to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta, OH, to continue the liturgical details that we began implementing during a full restoration almost eight years ago.
They applied gold and antiquing to the protective reliquary iron grill 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 bear the weight of the altar's striking marble mensa (top). Varying shades of gold mosaics radiate a brilliant sense of light to emphasize each carved image that stands as a reminder of the sacrifice of Christ during Mass and the Eucharist.
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.
The modern 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 to 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, 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 to give witness to our faith—creating 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 we were executing the work, 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 sacred space.
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