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16 - Window of the Apparitions Over the rear wall of the nave, above the choir loft and under the rearmost vault is the Window of the Apparitions. Containing more than fifty seven thousand pieces of colored glass, domestic and imported from France, England, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia, the window is constructed around the central theme of "The Apparitions of Our Blessed Lady." The predominant color shades are those traditionally associated with Mary the Queen, royal blue and exquisite rose. The lower portion of the window contains four medallions depicting the Apparitions of our Blessed Lady, each one recreating a scene when the Blessed Mother appeared to some gifted souls. The recurring theme of the decoration of the basilica is found in the upper portion of the window. Within the arch is an extensive and elaborate quatrefoil with the Blessed Lady standing supreme over all. Our Blessed Mother, the Patroness of the United States, is enshrined above the shield of the country, bestowing her motherly care on its citizens. |
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