Papal Chair - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
- Papal Chair - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Project Name
Papal Chair for Pope Benedict XVI
Project Location
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Date of Construction/ Dedication and Use
April 16th, 2008
Address to the United States Bishops
Summary Description of Project
Throne used by Pope Benedict XVI during the Apostolic visit to the United States and meeting with American Cardinals and Bishops.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CURRENT PROJECT
- Photo A
- Photo B
- Photo C
- Photo D
- Photo E
- Photo F
- Photo G
- Photo H
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
St Jude Liturgical Arts Studio was chosen to provide the chair for our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI for the Apostolic Visit, specifically for use during the meeting with US Bishops held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. This custom hand made chair reflects the momentous nature of the occasion in the high quality of the workmanship and details of its design. It is made of American Walnut with raised hand carved crosses on either side. Note the Papal Crest on the back. It is made in the traditional Old World style of hand sewn embroidered needlework. In the selection of the materials and in its design this reflects the strength and warmth of the Papacy of Benedict XVI.
The chairs is now on permanent display at the National Shrine.
PRESS COVERAGE
St Jude Liturgical Arts Studio is honored to announce that one of our most recent prestigious projects is now on display in the Museum gallery of the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. When we designed and built the chair and kneelers for Pope Benedict XVI for his inspiring address to the nation’s bishops in the Lower Crypt? Chapel in April 2008, we did not expect we were creating a museum piece. However it is on display with many of the other historic artifacts from previous Papal visits along with many other interesting items and works of art from the Basilica’s rich history.
We invite you to visit the National Shrine Gallery to see this beautiful example of American craftsmanship in service to the Church. The chair and kneelers were made in our ecclesiastical wood working studio by our European Guild trained cabinetmakers. All these items are made of American Walnut carefully split and planed to reveal the most attractive grain. They are assembled without nails or screws using only dove tailed mitering and glued dowels. Then they are stained with many coats of a light oil finish to bring out the best of this beautiful wood. The rich white brocade and hand embroidered Papal seal of Pope Benedict XVI further enhance the aesthetic of these remarkable pieces. All these pieces reflect the warmth, strength and nobility of the papacy under Benedict XVI.
The care and excellence that went into this project is also available to you if you are in need of Ecclesiastical furniture. Please call me at 800-523-7604 or contact me by e mail at louis@stjudeliturgicalarts.com
Video Coverage
Online Articles
