A little while back I had the chance to visit St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Rothschild, WI (near Wausau). My parents were married there, and I suspect that it's a church that was beautiful before it was wreck-o-vated but is now being made beautiful again.
Here we see the original exterior of the church, complete with a rose window. A narthex was built around it. I do appreciate that they left the facade in tact.
I took a closer look at the icon you can see in the first picture. A parishioner told us that the pastor is from Poland, and I believe he's been bringing dignified religious art and icons like this one from overseas to place in the church.
And another example.
And one more for good measure.
I could be way off, but I'd venture to guess that the sanctuary had previously been much more ornate before things headed south. If that's true the current setup is certainly adequate. The Benedictine-style alter setting helps.
I'm a big fan of this sign.
I'm also a big fan of choir lofts. So much less tambourine. And so many fewer guitars.
If you find yourself in the Wausau area, check out St. Therese of the Child Jesus. It's got some character.
5 comments:
Steve, some more info for you about the "icon from overseas"...
"This particular image was commissioned by Cardinal Raymond Burke when he was Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1999. The original resides in the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Many reproductions have been purchased by local churches and the faithful, with additional reproductions being distributed in Russia.
Theology and Symbolism
The image of Jesus in the Sacred Heart is modeled on the familiar Orthodox icon known as the "Pantocrator," Greek for "Ruler of All". Christ is looking directly at the viewer, with his left hand gesturing toward the Sacred Heart and his right hand raised in blessing. The arrangement of the fingers indicate his divine and human natures and the three lower fingers symbolize the union of the Most Holy Trinity.
His tunic, called in Greek "chiton" is red, representing his divinity and the blood he shed for mankind. The "himation," or blue cape is a sign of his humanity, that when Christ became man He took on human flesh. The broad band, or "clavus' is to signify His High Official Status, being King and Lord of All.
The Sacred Heart, being the central part of the image, is radiating with love for mankind. Surrounded by thorns, the image reminds us of what Christ suffered for mankind because of our sins. Yet though we sinned, he loved us so much He willingly laid down His life for us, symbolized in the flame of burning love holding the Cross of our redemption.
The halo, which appears on all icons, symbolizes those who have reached the sanctification of heaven, radiating the divine light of God. Here, the God-Man Himself is surrounded by the glow of Divinity with the initials of His identity. Jesus Christ, IC XC and "I AM WHO AM" O W N."
-© 2004 Institute of Saint Joseph ~ Nazareth Studio. All Rights Reserved. Chippewa Falls, WI
Actually, the icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the one commissioned by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke and executed by the monastics of the Institute of St. Joseph (a diocesan institute of consecrated life located in the diocese of La Crosse) back when he was bishop of La Crosse and was encouraging a return to the practice of consecrating our homes, churches, and institutions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Very nice
The Mother of Perpetual Help was commissioned by my parents and written by the Institute of Saint Joseph. This is my home parish. Sr. Petra ISJ
Thanks for the information, everybody. My apologies on believing this was a foreign icon. I was going on the understanding received from a conversation with a parishioner.
Post a Comment