Chapel of the Resurrection 2004
Paschal candle at the Valparaiso University Chapel of the Resurrection in Valparaiso, Indiana
Designed by:
Laura Potratz
Luke Smetters
Michael Kern
Carved by:
Laura Potratz
Luke Smetters Michael Kern
Steven Wilco
Comments:
The tree in the shape of the cross suggests that Christ has a real and living presence in our lives. Wearing the colors of the church seasons, the people holding hands around the circumference of the candle represent the unity of the church as one body of Christ. The drop over each head signifies the water of baptism that is displayed in the top and bottom bands. As the body of Christ, the church is strong like a tree and nourished by the waters of baptism. The verse recalls the words of Jeremiah 17:8 "[Those who trust in the Lord] shall be like a tree planted by the water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit."
