The Cross
This traditional crucifix was presented to the Brigidine community of Traralgon in memory of Pierce and Josephine Cathcart. It once hung in the convent chapel of Kildare College.
As in all Catholic liturgical spaces, both grand cathedrals and humble school chapels, the crucifixion is the dominate image of remembrance. The sculptor, Leopoldine Mimovich, has created a classic depiction of the sacrifice of Jesus…
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes is him may not perish but may have eternal life’ John 3:16
The message is clear: this is how much God loves us. In the slumped body, hung head and clear marks of brutality we see the cost of fidelity to the dream of a world made new. The closed eyes, peaceful face and wave-fall of hair might even declare that this Jesus is but resting. His body is not ravaged by the torment he has undergone. He may be stretched out in death but this is the holy one of God and his dignity is intact. The rich, nutty brown of the wood holds its secret close.
Brutality, suffering and torture may have done their worst but this is not the end nor is death the ultimate reality.
By Mike Hansen
