Exquisite Details at Basilica of St. Mary Enhance Sacred Space and Draw Us Closer to God

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. 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 chose to be relatable to those experiencing the important Rite of Baptism. Baptism is a communal celebration with the presence of the faithful, all of whom play an active role in this first Sacrament during which we are made members of 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—along with St. John the Baptist, serve as witnesses to our life-long obligations as Catholics. Artists Victoria and Julian Christina stenciled the names of the saints at the bottom of the font in gold leaf to highlight their importance. We designed the statues to harmonize with the altar. These small but important touches define our careful work, and they bring us closer to God during the vital moments of being Catholic.

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. Visitors come from all over the world to share in this sacred space. 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.