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The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

 1)  The Coat of Arms

    Center back is the Umbrellino associated with a Basilica.

     The crossed Keys are related to the Papacy indicating the

Pope's power to bind and to loose.

     The background of the shield is the blue with the Moon and the

Twelve Stars representing the Immaculate Conception;

the factory and towers represent Waterbury;

and the rivers indicate the origin of the city's name.

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2)  The Umbrellino

     The umbrellino was originally kept in a Basilica to shield the Holy Father should he

visit on a day with inclement weather. It is now kept as a part of the furnishings of a

basilica to note that this building in a very special way belongs to the Holy Father.

     The umbrellino is constructed of eight fabric panels alternately red and yellow. At the

end of each panel is a significant liturgical symbol or emblem. The panels on our

umbrellino are as follows:

1.     Pope Benedict XVI's Coat of Arms;

2.     Archbishop Mansell's Coat of Arms;

3.     The Coat of Arms of the Archdiocese of Hartford;

4.     The date of the Concession of the Basilica;

5.     The Image of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Basilica;

6.     The Image of the Venerable Father McGivney;

7.     The Seal of theCity of Waterbury;

8.     The Coat of Arms of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

     The Umbrellino will be permanently displayed in the sanctuary and on occasion will

be carried in procession in the basilica.

     The design for the coat of arms for the basilica and the umbrellino were done by

Baker Liturgical Art Co. and executed by Stadelmaier & Co.

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3)  The Tintinnabulum

     The Tintinnabulum, like the Umbrellino, indicates that this building has a special

relationship with the Holy Father. Originally it signaled the beginning of a procession in

which the Holy Father was entering the Basilica. Like the Umbrellino the Tintinnabulum

will be permanently displayed in the Sanctuary and on occasion will be carried in

procession in the Basilica.

     There are two  bells on each side of the center piece made of sterling silver. In the center

is a representation of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady standing on a pedestal.

At the top of the shaft there are four enamel shields:

1) The Shield of Pope Benedict XVI;

2) The Shield of Archbishop Mansell;

3) The Shield of the Archdiocese of Hartford;

 4) The Shield of our Basilica.

The circle around the Blessed Mother is gold plated and at the base on either side are

 precious stones.

The design is by Baker Liturgical Art Co. and executed by Stadelmaier & Co.

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