ABSTRACT
The Basilica of Mariazell shows an astonishing theological concept. The pilgrim is invited to recognize a copy of his/her earthly pilgrimage when walking through the building and to get inspired by it: Entering the building through the main entrance, the pilgrim is captured by the Baroque beauty of the Basilica's interior. The Chapel of Grace attracts the pilgrim's attention right away and constitutes the center of the Basilica. The plain wooden statue of the Mother of God welcomes the faithful and points at the aim of the pilgrimage: Jesus Christ. The Chapel of Grace in the middle of the Basilica is only another station on the pilgrimage which leads the faithful to the "Muttergottes auf der Frauensäule," the Mother of God on the Woman's Column." She is looking at the high altar and points out the spiritual highlight of the pilgrimage and the walk through the Basilica: the Holy Trinity, in which the salvation of humanity through Christ's death and resurrection has artfully been incorporated. God the Father extends His hand to His Son pointing out the aim of the pilgrimage to the faithful: Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Son of God. Like many other churches, the Mariazell Basilica is directed east. The East is the place of the rising sun, the symbol of Christ, whose return has traditionally been expected to start from this direction. The building itself helps the pilgrim to direct themselves towards Christ while walking through the Basilica. This walk through the Basilica leading towards Christ shall act as an instruction and example for the pilgrim's "pilgrimage on earth."
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The Basilica of Mariazell shows an astonishing theological concept. The pilgrim is invited to recognize a copy of his/her earthly pilgrimage when walking through the building and to get inspiration from it:
The pilgrim enters the Mariazell Basilica through its main entrance. The arch of the main entrance shows a crucifixion scene as well as depictions of the founding process of the pilgrimage site. On both sides of the main entrance, two man-high lead figures - Duke Henry of Morovia and King Louis I., both important figures for Mariazell - invite the pilgrims to enter the Basilica. Upon entrance, the pilgrim is captivated by the Baroque beauty of the Basilica's interior.
The Chapel of Grace attracts the pilgrim's attention right away and constitutes the center of the Basilica. The plain wooden statue of the Mother of God welcomes the faithful and points at aim of the pilgrimage: Jesus Christ. The Mariazell Mother of God is 48 cm tall and is made of linden wood. The early-Gothic statue of Mary is holding Baby Jesus on her lap. The child is holding an apple and reaches with His left hand for the fruit which Mary is offering Him. The fruits are a symbol for the salvation from Adam's fall. With her right hand, Mother Mary points at Jesus indicating the mystery of her and all human life: "Looking on Christ!" Since the 16th century, statues of grace have been decorated with preciously embroidered clothes. The statue can be seen without the so-called "Liebfrauenkleid" on only two days a year: the founding day of Mariazell, December 21, and the day of the wakes of the Basilica, Mary's Birth, September 8.
The Chapel of Grace is still located at the place of the foundation and was altered several times in the course of the centuries. The trapezoid ground plan goes back to 1690. The columns on the outside covered by Gothic canopies are the statues of St. Benedict and St. Lambrecht, the two patrons of the convent St. Lambrecht. Statues of St. Joseph and Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne, crown the Chapel of Grace. These statues are works of Lorenzo Mattielli dating back to 1734.
Facing the Mariazell Mother of God, the pilgrim notices the space within the Basilica behind the Chapel of Grace. Continuing on the way through the Basilica, the pilgrim meets Mary again, when approaching the Statue of Mother Mary on the Woman's Column, who always accompanies humans on their ways. The Statue of Mother Mary on the Woman's Column is also worshipped as a Statue of Grace. The impressive statue with a height of almost 2m was made in 1520 and is located on a 5m-high marble column. The Madonna is portrayed as crowned Queen of the Heavens and is carrying Baby Jesus on her right arm. In the left hand she is holding a scepter. This Marian statue, also called the "Pilgrims' Madonna," used to be the center of various penitential rituals. Today, devotional pieces are blessed at the foot of the statue.
The "Mother of God on the Woman's Column" is looking at the high altar which was designed by the famous Baroque-artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and was consecrated in 1704. In a visionary mode, the artist portrays central teachings of traditional Christianity: the salvation of humanity through Christ's death and resurrection as well as the Holy Trinity, in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At Jesus' hour of death, God, the Eternal Father, descends from the golden Heavenly Spheres to the silver earthly reality to extend His hand to His Son, and lead Him from death to resurrection. In this way, God the Father points out the aim of the pilgrimage to the faithful: Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Son of God.
A depiction of the globe, the human world in sphericity, entwined by a snake symbolizing evil, hovers under the cross and over the altar. The globe serves as tabernacle and holds the sacramental Body of Christ in the bread of the Eucharist. For believers, this is a powerful source of comfort. The Eucharist inside the globe makes clear that the saving love of Christ lives inside a world which is threatened by evil forces but even in the face of evil Christ's love turns into the Bread of Life. The altar is the place of the celebration of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the highlight of every pilgrimage which shall transform the pilgrim's life.
Like many other churches, the Mariazell Basilica is directed east. The East is the place of the rising sun, the symbol of Christ, whose return has traditionally been expected to start from this direction. The building and its fascinating theological concept help the pilgrim to direct themselves towards Christ while walking through the Basilica. This walk through the Basilica leading towards Christ shall act as an instruction and example for the pilgrim's "pilgrimage on earth."
Father Mag. Karl Schauer OSB
Superior of Mariazell
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