to a green patina, as expected. Four copper angel statues playing trumpets, measuring 18 feet tall, are mounted on the dome. Twin towers The original twin towers of the basilica, when completed in 1926, stood at a height of 165 feet (about 16 stories). The spires were made completely of marble and had an open design. In 1941, a violent lightning storm caused major damage to both the towers, forcing redesign and refurbishing. The new towers, enclosed and much shorter than the originals, are topped with copper domes, similar to the design of the basilica's Great Dome. Main entrance Two large colonnades extend outward and flank the exterior sides of the shrine at the main entrance. On top of each is a marble sculpture of a group of children overseen by a large angel. On the left colonnade (when facing the basilica's front), the children are led by a religious sister. This figure represents the Sisters of St. Joseph, the order which has staffed the Our Lady of Victory Institutions since 1856. On the right colonnade, the children are led by a priest, Father Baker. This figure of Baker was ordered by Ulrich to honor the priest for his several contributions to the Our Lady of Victory Institutions. Also at the entrance to the basilica is a domed niche that houses a 12-foot-tall, 16,000-pound (eight tons) statue of Our Lady of Victory, crafted of the finest Carrara marble available. Interior The great dome and ceiling The largest work of art is the decoration of the Great Dome, in diameter, which depicts the Assumption of Mary and the Blessed Mother's Coronation. Around the dome's outer edge, the 12 apostles and three archangels are shown, while an angelic host carries Mary towards heaven. Slightly higher within the dome, Jesus in red robes can be seen awaiting her. At the pinnacle of the dome, above the basilica floor, a white Dove of Peace looks down from Heaven at the basilica. From the Great Dome to the choir loft, the ceiling is covered by five giant murals. They depict Mary as Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of the Apostles, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the Prophets, and Queen of the Martyrs. The two walls on the basilica's sides feature huge paintings depicting scenes from the Gospels: the Massacre of the Innocents, the Flight into Egypt, and the Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem. The main