Our Lady of Consolation, Carey

With restoration of stained glass windows continuing at the shrine, the temporary clear glass provides more natural light. Colors appear more vivid.


Detail of the angels in Sofus Mortensen's mural.

Tile work on the floor near the main altar.

Sofus L. Mortensen

While the statue of Our Lady of Consolation brings many people to the shrine in Carey, Ohio, the basilica’s mural of Christ in Glory is equally memorable. The work is credited to Sofus Mortensen, a muralist and decorator from Boston.

(Advertisement from the Boston Architectural Club, 1915.)

The Boston Public Library shared some information: Mortensen was a native of Denmark, immigrating in 1880. He is listed as a member of the Boston Arts and Crafts Society in 1901-02, and exhibited works in 1907. One source says he studied at the Royal Academy at Copenhagen and the Imperial School of Design in Vienna. Mortensen also did work for commercial enterprises, such as theaters, banks, hotels and restaurants.