BLESSED VIRGIN ALTAR

The statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, holding the Infant Christ, is of white Trani marble quarried in Florido, Italy (marble for the Pieta in Rome also came from the same quarry) and is the work of sculptor Vannucci. This particular sculpture is referred to as the Smiling Madonna. The mosiac designed by Jan de Rosen (also designed the largest mosaic in the world in St. Louis Cathedral, St Louis, MO.) and executed by Maumejean depicts six virgin saints: Alttracta, Lucy, Agnes, Joanna, Joan of Arc, and Barbara. Above is the Annunciation scene. The altar front shows Our Lord in majesty with the Holy Mother and St. Joseph at each side. This altar is highlighted by the flood lamp in the golden tabernacle light. The tabernacle, candlesticks and vase are vitreous multicolored enamel on brass (cloisonne), i.e., glass melted on brass. Designed by architect William Perry, these took two years to make and are the largest pieces of their kind in the world.