Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity share three images of Christ the King from three different Catholic Churches. What do these images speak to you? Sister Theresa Feldkamp, Sister Leonette Kochan and Sister Mariella Erdmann offer their reflections on these artistic perspectives. As St. Francis of Assisi was moved by the San Damiano Crucifix and thus the San Damiano Church he repaired in his life-time, so these windows are a voice for God for us today.
St Joseph Cathedral, La Crosse, Wisconsin
https://cathedralsjworkman.org/
As I look at this image, I focus on His open arms. He welcomes and embraces all who desire to enter His Kingdom. The power of His love and grace go out to all who are willing to surrender their hearts to His reign. -Sister Theresa Feldkamp, OSF
Leo Cartwright of Carmel Valley, California designed this stained glass window found in St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral. It was executed by T. C. Esser Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. German craftsman Gerhard Stoettner fabricated all the windows. For those who desire a more intensive appreciation of this artform, no better way to celebrate Christ the King then to listen to Father Thomas Reardon narrate the history of the Cathedral windows in this video.
Holy Spirit, Kimberly, Wisconsin
Holy Spirit Parish – Kimberly, WI (holyspirit-parish.org)
The position of Jesus’s right hand reminds me of my need to keep him as the number one priority in my life. My life focus needs to be staying in tune with his call, his direction in my life, his personal love for me. Jesus holding the world in his hand, with the Cross attached, speaks of God’s total self-giving love for us and the dignity of all of creation in sending his Son to live among us. My image of Jesus as king is not that of one with regal externals but rather of one who is a servant leader, a caregiver, a friend, one who serves out of unselfish love for all people, for all of creation, one who is in relationship with all. Christ the King guides with love, peacefully, and as one who is with us in all things. The inspiration to follow him is made possible because he first loved each of us individually. – Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF
On January 1, 2005, through a parish merger, Holy Spirit Parish was born from two historic and faith-filled Catholic churches–Holy Angels in Darboy and Holy Name of Jesus in Kimberly.
St Mary, Marion Wisconsin
Home – Three Parish Catholic Family (wittomary.org)
This symbol of the Alpha and Omega is a most fitting image for Christ the King. The symbol is a bit abstract being designed in thick cut-stained glass. In art, the gold colors of the letters often represent heaven or eternity. Jesus, the risen, almighty, eternal Lord speaks from the throne in Rev 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
It is beyond our understanding of time to comprehend the existence of Christ that has no beginning and no end. Jesus always has been, he continues in being now, and he will always be.
At the Easter Vigil, the candle is blessed with these words: “Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. All time belongs to him and all the ages. To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen.” Christ the King reigns forever.- Sister Mariella Erdmann, OSF
Not only is this church a sacred space of artistic beauty, but it also has a St. Peregrine Shrine. The Shrine has been a great blessing to many in our area, and for others outside of our area that stop in. The Shrine was constructed in 2006 on the northeast side of the church and is open to visitors daily.
