Last week, Bill Karcher, a woodworker from Industrial Wood Products in Derby, completed the placement and assembly of the rays for the Holy Spirit’s dove. The dove itself is an original feature of the church and was initially suspended above the sanctuary before being relocated to the narthex in 1997.
The placement of the dove near the image of the Crucified Christ holds a deep theological significance. The Archbishop Luis Martinez writes in his book, The Sanctifier, that the Dove’s path leads towards Calvary, and its wings can always be seen above the blessed Cross, where Love is found on earth.
This project was completed as a part of the Christ at the Center project, headed by Jim Panullo, which aims to restore and renovate the church’s sanctuary.
The project began in 2015 with the goal of rebuilding the tabernacle room, known as the sacristy, which was severely damaged after a water leak. However, as the project progressed, the community realized that the whole sanctuary area needed to be renovated to bring back its original beauty and restore its spiritual significance.
The renovation work included replacing the carpeting, restoring the pews, and repainting the interior. The new finishes highlight the ornate architectural details of the sanctuary, and the entire renovation was completed with the guidance and expertise of a liturgical design consultant.
The retablo, where the rays of the Holy Spirit’s dove will be emanating from, is a Spanish term for a type of ornate altarpiece featuring multiple panels and sculptures. The retablo being installed in this church will showcase the image of the Crucified Christ at its center, surrounded by various saints and holy figures.
The renovation project’s overarching goal is to create an immersive and inspiring space that helps the parishioners connect with their faith and feel a genuine sense of community. The church’s leaders believe it is a vital aspect of their community’s spiritual health to have a beautiful and welcoming sanctuary where people can come together to worship and feel a sense of belonging.
The project’s completion is an exciting milestone for the Christ at the Center initiative, and the community looks forward to celebrating the upcoming re-dedication of the sanctuary as a beautifully restored and spiritually significant space.
Overall, the completion of the Holy Spirit’s dove rays showcases the attention to detail and care that went into renovating the sanctuary. As the dove’s symbolic significance reminds parishioners to look to the Cross and find Love, the sanctuary’s renovated beauty and renewed sense of purpose will undoubtedly lead the community to connect even deeper with their faith.
Posted by StCathTrumbull on 2018-12-17 20:35:04