Basilica Interior
Step inside the Basilica and discover a space rich with beauty, meaning, and detail. From soaring architecture to intricate artwork, every corner reveals something breathtaking. There is so much to take in, a single visit is rarely enough; each return uncovers new details, hidden stories, and moments of quiet wonder waiting to be noticed.
"1,000 Angels"
Father Baker was fond of saying: “There are 1,000 angels in the Basilica!” The truth is, though, there are far more than that. According to estimates, the Shrine’s interior contains anywhere between 2,000 and 2,500 angels.
One of its distinctive features are the pews that are crafted of the original African Mahogany pieces now more than 100 years old. They were removed, refinished, fully restored and reinstalled in 2023.
Stations of the Cross & Choir Loft
Lining the east and west sides of the nave, the 14 marble Stations of the Cross are masterpieces of Italian craftsmanship. Each life-sized scene, carved from a single block of marble from the same quarry that was used for Michelangelo’s Pietà, took the artist, Pepini, and his school of sculptors a full year to complete.
The choir loft houses a 54-rank pipe organ built by the Delaware Pipe Organ Company in 1981, featuring metal and wood pipes from six inches to 18 feet. It replaced the original Wurlitzer, which no longer met post–Vatican II liturgical needs. After the newer organ failed during a 2023 Mass, a smaller modern chancel organ was installed the next year near the St. Joseph Altar on the west side of the Shrine.
Stained-Glass Windows
The Basilica’s exquisitely detailed stained-glass windows illustrate the stories of the Old and New Testaments. They complete Father Baker’s vision by casting an intimate glow over every corner of the Shrine.
The windows range in size from 20 inches wide to more than 13 feet in diameter! Those depicting the joyful and sorrowful mysteries of the rosary are located in the apse, encircling the main altar. The clerestory (the second floor within the nave) includes scenes depicting Jesus’ ministry and the Holy Family.
Ceiling & Dome
Of all of the breathtaking works of art, perhaps the most dramatic can be found within the dome itself. Measuring 80 feet in diameter and rising nearly 120 feet from the floor, the painting of the Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Mother is a true masterwork.
The dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, is at the center of the work and, fittingly, the apex of the Shrine.
Main Altar
The focal point of the Basilica’s interior is the sanctuary’s Main Altar. At its center is a nine-foot-tall marble statue of the Blessed Mother that was personally blessed by Pope Pius XI before being shipped to the U.S.
Of particular note are the four columns surrounding Our Lady. The swirling pink, Spanish marble structures are patterned after Bernini’s baldacchino found in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Papal Items
There are three items within the Basilica that signify the Shrine’s sacred place within the Catholic Church and its special relationship to the Holy Father: the papal coat of arms, the Canopeum and Tintinnabulum.
The Canopeum is a symbolic shield of protection for the pope during his travels. It remains open in anticipation of the day the Holy Father visits the Basilica.
The Tintinnabulum is a small gold bell that would lead the procession down the center aisle if the pope were to celebrate Mass here.
Chapels/Altars
Near and around the Basilica’s ambulatory, radiating chapels can be found. Each pays tribute to those who served as inspirations to Father Baker throughout his life’s work in building his “City of Charity.” They include: St. Patrick, commemorating the original church on the site; St. Vincent de Paul, whose works with the poor and needy inspired Father Baker’s own; the Sacred Heart of Jesus; and St. Joseph.
Often discovered at the end of people’s visits, there are a number of smaller chapels located behind the Main Altar. Here, among others, are the likes of Mary Immaculate, St. Aloysius, St. Anne, St. Anthony and St. Therese.
Grotto Shrine: Father Baker's Resting Place
A truly unique area, the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes is carved out of lava rock from Mount Vesuvius in Italy. At the time of its construction, Father Baker insisted on finding a material that was untouched by human hands to pay tribute to the vision of Our Blessed Lady to St. Bernadette.
On March 11, 1999, Father Baker “came home” to the Basilica. During a special Mass, his casket was carried from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery and placed in a tomb within this area.
Adjacent to the Grotto is the Father Baker Shrine. Designed, hand-crafted and installed in 2025 by OLV parishioners Jon and Victor Trabucco, it is intricately decorated with symbols that honor the humble priest and his patroness, Our Lady of Victory.
Baptistry
Tucked away from the Basilica proper and located near the elevator, the baptistry is one of its hidden treasures and a serene space rich with symbolism. At its center stands an ornate baptismal font, surrounded by walls adorned with stunning artwork that offers a reproduction of images found within the ancient Roman Catacombs.
