Our mural, which was painted by Jan de Rosen, was
completed in 1967 as part of the 25th Anniversary of
the parish. It was dedicated to our
founding pastor, Msgr. Thomas F. Byrne. The image of Christ
the King is not unlike the “Christ in Majesty” mosaic designed
by de Rosen for the National Shrine in Washington, D.C.
The image is one of the largest mosaics of Our Savior
in the world. Mr. de Rosen modeled it in the Eastern Christian tradition
of the “Pantocrator,” meaning the “Ruler of All”
or “Celestial Emperor”. Mr. De Rosen sought to create an image wholly
in keeping with the Byzantine architecture of the Basilica,
while attempting to provide a distinctly post-Renaissance
character more familiar to the Western Church. Although Eastern-style
art, which often portrays figures with stoic expressions,
is an uncommon part of our American culture, it has a long
and revered tradition in the Catholic Church. “Christ in Majesty” also has an apocalyptic nature,
based principally on the Book of revelations (4:2-3)
The following reflection was presented by sister Beverly Flynn, CSJ, on the
feast of Christ the King 2002. Her remarks are indicative of her love for the
mural that she developed during the ten years she taught atSt. Basil's School.
