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The mother of Christ, Mary, was named Patroness of the United States by Pope Pius IX in 1847, and this fabulous church is dedicated to Her. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in the US and the eight largest in the world. In 1920, work began on the Catholic University grounds and the ground-level Crypt Church was finished in 1926. Due to the Great Depression and World War II, work was interrupted, but resumed again in 1954, and the Great Upper Church was dedicated on 20 November 1959. A beautiful and detailed stained-glass window separates the Chapel of Our Lady of Hostyn and the Crypt Church. It depicts scenes from the life of the first American canonized saint, Saint John Neumann. Gold leaf and colored majolica tiles, which are used to symbolize the Virgin Mary, decorate the huge Byzantine-style dome. The 100m bell tower holds a 56-bell carillon and supports a 6m gilded cross visible in every direction. Inside, it is the windows that first catch the eye. The sanctuary is illuminated with three rose windows embellished with gold and amethyst, while rows of other windows explain the lives of Mary, the Holy Family, saints and redeemed sinners. The building is littered with stunning mosaics, many donated by American Catholics. The main sculpture is of marble and titled Universal Call to Holiness. It can be seen on the south wall of the Great Upper Church. |