The Main Altar
The focal point of the altar is a nine-foot marble statue of the Blessed Mother which was personally blessed by Pope Pius XI before being shipped to the United States in 1923.
A gracefully unfurled canopy supports a large gold cross held aloft by four angels.
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Of particular note are the four columns surrounding Our Lady. The swirling red marble structures are patterned after similar columns seen in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Multi-Media
- Click to view a 360-degree video of the Main Altar
- Click to hear Basilica architect Gonippo Raggi's explanation of the Main Altar's design.