The Basilica
Designated a papal basilica in 1927, the church was built initially to receive pilgrims and is intended through its dedication to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be a constant reminder of the goal of man’s earthly journey. The paintings of Friedrich Stummel embody the ideas of the ‚biblia pauperum‘ (poor man’s bible). That is to say, he who rests a while in the basilica and allows his eyes to glide over the paintings can follow the story of the Passion, excerpts from the history of the Church and aspects of Christian life as defined in the sacraments, the scriptures and the liturgy.
The colouring of the extensive ornamentation was greatly influenced by the Church of Sainte Chapelle in Paris.
The nave and transepts were erected in 1864 to the plans of Vincenz Statz, the master cathedral-builder from Cologne. The spire, almost 300 feet high was added twenty years later.
The pilgrims‘ services are held in the Basilica. Here in communion with the Blessed Virgin the devout can relive in prayer the Gospel story.
Pause awhile to take in the atmosphere and you will discover that what is enacted below in the ceremonial of the liturgy is reflected above in the arches and the apse. The faithful in the community of the saints, living and dead, are gathered together in the praise of the Lamb of God.
The retable in the apse depicts the seven sorrows of the Virgin. In the centre is the Pieta and above this, in the gothic vaulting, the Assumption is represented. Not all hope is lost; Good Friday is not the end of Mary’s existence. Just as God fulfilled his purpose in the life of Mary, she too attains her goal in the splendour of the Trinity.
Impressions
