The communal center of worship is located on the Basilica's Upper Level. The section functions as the national center for active worship, spiritual connection, and a tight-knit communal space, in contrast to the crypt level, which places an emphasis on history, remembrance, and silent devotion. The top level depicts the unity of the worldwide Catholic Church, as seen through the massive art and sculptures, architecture, and spiritual spaces.
The Trinity Dome. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org//venue/crypt-church/
The Trinity Dome is known to be the biggest mosaic dome found within the U.S., which is located right above the primary center of worship. The Holy Trinity, which is known as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is at its core, surrounded by angels and saints. This dome blends national identification with heavenly power, symbolizing God's presence over the church. With a thoughtful approach, it is placed above the area where worship is conducted, serving as a place for comfort and protection. The Basilica is a national spiritual gift, as seen by its size and artistry. The dome incorporates saints connected to the American Catholic image, symbolizing how Catholic values were strengthed into the US through shared communal devotion and cultural migration. "During his visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, 2015, Pope Francis blessed the preliminary segment of mosaic created for the Trinity Dome containing the words of the beginning and end of the Nicene Creed: “I believe in one God.” “Amen" (Trinity Dome n.d.).
Our Lady Of The Rosary Chapel. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org//venue/crypt-church/
The chapel was provided by the Dominican Order, a group closely linked to encouraging Rosary devotion. Mary's maternal and intercessory function in Catholic theology is seen within the carved sculpture of Mary carrying the Child Jesus in the middle. The sculpture is surrounded by fifteen symbolic flames that stand for the traditional fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. In addition to visually directing visitors through the spiritual framework of the Rosary, the design promotes silent prayer and meditation and reflects the Dominican goal of teaching and devotion by using spiritual art and sculptures. Instead of just theology, this environment reflects how religious standards serve as cultural carriers, turning European religious traditions into an American national identity.
The Upper Church Nave. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org//venue/crypt-church/
Thousands of believers gather together in the Upper Church Nave, a large central gathering place for Mass and national holidays. It is intended to highlight togetherness by bringing individuals from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds together in a common place of worship. Serving the region as a communal center, it is not only a place for worship, but also a safe space where individuals can convene in unity, finding both spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging. Rather than memorial worship, this area symbolizes living religion. At the national level, it represents the idea of communal religious engagement. The Nave turns into a convergence point where national, ethnic, and social differences slowly combine into a sole national religious body and identity.
Christ In Majesty. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org//venue/crypt-church/
Overlooking the North Apse is Christ in Majesty. This is known to be the largest mosaic of Jesus Christ in the world, where the distance between one wounded hand to the other measures 34 feet. The scale of the art represents Christ’s role as both protector and redeemer, overlooking people with His power and sacrifice at once. Displayed across the walls above the sanctuary, the mosaic serves to reinforce the belief that divine power overlooks all worship within the Basilica. The large scale of Christ sitting above worshippers reinforces not just divine authority, but the belief that various communities are intertwined under one religious ideal.
The Upper Church. (n.d.). https://www.nationalshrine.org//venue/crypt-church/
The Upper Level of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception serves as the living, public expression of Catholic religion in the United States. In contrast to the crypt, in which reverence for history and the memory of religion and factual data are preserved, the upper section serves as an area of active worship and national or communal assembly made possible through religious art, architectural statements, and shared devotion. The space is a national pilgrimage site, where daily and weekly ritual sessions take place. It is a center for celebrating national holidays, daily sessions for mass, and cultural ordinations and weddings. People entering the upper level aren't just passive viewers, they offer time, physical effort, prayer and intention, and most importantly, offer cultureal identity.
As we go through the Basilica, a whole new world appears in front of us. The incredible architecture, the unique designs and artwork, and world of culture fill every gap and crack between the communal space. The Upper Level isn't just designed and decorated by artists; it is built entirely by gifts from different ethnic groups and cultures. Each chapel, dome and mosaic becomes a cultural offering, creating an environment of moral values, cultural identity, and religious ideals. Within research and anthropology, sacred spaces like these are known to be cultural preservation.
Gift Rituals Around the Globe www.theatlantic.com
Art at St. Benedict https://www.chicagocatholic.com/
In addition to being a place of solidarity, the Upper Level is a place where historically marginalized communities assert their identity and sense of belonging. Within the national shrine, African American Catholics utilize this area not only for worship, but also as a place of reverence, remembering, and acknowledgment. When sacred space is paired with cultural identity, it provides strength for a group of people. When looking at who is truly allowed to be seen within sacred spaces like the Basilica, it becomes clear that countless cultures and diverse identities have presence within the Catholic setting. While sacred architecture can provide and strengthen cultural identity it can also erase populations through neglect and violating inclusiveness. The Upper Level of the Basilica actively stands as a backing to support and restore representation of the African American community, where religion becomes a mediating factor of social inclusivity. African American Catholics provide history, labor, music, culture, and lived experience to the Basilica. In return, the Basilica provides a permanent visibility, backing for national legitimacy, and sacred recognition of Black Catholic identity. We see within the communal spaces African rhythms, gospel traditions, and religious beliefs all in one space.