The two bell towers are topped with onion shaped domes, typical of the churches of Bavaria and Austria, where Novatus Benzing, the pastor at the time, and Leonard Darscheid, the architectural consultant, both originated.

The large upper windows depict scenes from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while the lower nave and transept windows depict images of popular saints of the Franciscan Order and of the heritage of the cultures represented in the community at the time (German, Spanish, Irish).

The Stations of the Cross, cast in high relief on gold background, were made by Andrew Kaletta Company of St. Louis.

"[2] The design for the church was developed while it was under direction of the Franciscan Fathers of the Sacred Heart Province of St. Louis, Missouri.

[3] Upon request for consulting, Franciscan Father Leonard Darscheid of St. Louis "added a number of features, including the design for the baptismal font, to what at that point was a gothic plan".

[clarification needed] Until 2023, the basilica was staffed by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Saint Barbara, whose coat of arms and various symbolism can be found displayed prominently throughout the building.

On September 13, 2022, the Franciscans announced they would be withdrawing from the basilica, due to falling numbers of clergy and a national change in governance structure.