The Queen of Heaven Columbarium

The Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria has unveiled a stunning new addition to its historic Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. St. Jude Liturgical Arts Studio installed beautiful mosaic murals at the parish’s Queen of Heaven Columbarium, enriching the sacred space with color, artistry, and cultural heritage.

The new niche end panels feature Azulejo tiles, a traditional form of painted ceramic tile work with deep roots in Portuguese culture and architecture. For centuries, Azulejos have adorned churches, palaces, and homes across Portugal, serving as both decoration and storytelling in art. Their use in the Columbarium connects the parish’s history with a broader Catholic tradition of beauty and devotion.

The images depicted on the murals were adapted from the works of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, one of the great painters of the Spanish Baroque era. Murillo’s religious art is known for its warmth, luminosity, and tender portrayal of sacred themes. His influence is already visible within the Basilica itself, where a copy of his renowned painting The Immaculate Conception graces the ceiling.

The Basilica of Saint Mary, the first Catholic parish in the Commonwealth of Virginia, continues to preserve its historic legacy while enhancing its sacred spaces for future generations. The Queen of Heaven Columbarium stands as a testament to the parish’s commitment to honoring the faithful departed with reverence, dignity, and beauty.

For more information about the Columbarium, visit here: stmaryoldtown.org/cemetery