Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington sprinkles holy water during the blessing of the Trinity Dome and workers at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Oct. 28. A mosaic project to complete the dome is to be finished in December 2017. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)
In January 2017, artisans will begin applying the mosaic to the basilica’s major interior dome, with the goal of completing the project before Christmas. Composed of more than 14 million pieces of colorful Venetian glass, it depicts the rich diversity of the Church in the United States. “This National Shrine, a century in the making, exists because of the generosity of American Catholics” and their prayers, Monsignor Rossi said.
When pilgrims to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception look up at the completed Trinity Dome, Rossi hopes they will be drawn to reflect prayerfully on the saints and heaven, people like them, from all backgrounds and walks of life, led by Mary to be united with the Holy Trinity for eternity.
“It will be a gift for generations to come, when they come to their church to worship,” Monsignor Walter Rossi said. “This is something American Catholics can be proud of, because they made it happen.”
Full Article