Murals of the Basilica

Back to Table of Contents

"Birth of Mary"

"The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary" presents St. Anne, haloed and seated in bed, gazing at the infant Mary, who is held at arm's length. Mary is surrounded by a mandorla. Three angels appear at the foot of Anne's bed, two with trumpets and one holding a scroll on which is written, "cum munditate" or "with purity," referring to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At the head of the bed, are two servants, one kneeling in prayer, the other with her hands outstretched in what is known at the "wonderment" gesture. Seven rays of light shine above the infant Mary, perhaps calling to mind the role of the Holy Spirit in the Immaculate Conception, or possibly prefiguring the overshadowing of the Spirit in the conception of Jesus.

Back to Table of Contents