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December 16, 2011
Devotional spaces of Our Lady and Saint Joseph have been designed exclusively for our church and will be handcrafted by the Conrad Moroder company. Contributions are currently being accepted for these inspiring pieces. Information regarding donations for the projects can be found on the parish wish list.
Conrad Moroder artist working on a relief.
Located in the picturesque northern Italian town of Ortisei in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains, Conrad Moroder is nestled in an area especially recognized for its rich woodcarving industry which dates back to the 17th century. Family artists have completed a multitude of religious pieces that can be found across the globe.
The unique style of these Italian handcrafted shrines, planned for our parish, will fit beautifully with the architecture and layout of the church, as they serve as physical reminders of the holy ones who have gone before us.
Read below to learn more about the devotional spaces and their unique designs. The spaces and reliefs will be crafted once all funds are collected. They will then be sent from Italy and assembled inside the church. The Marian space is expected to be completed first, with the St. Joseph space to follow.
View these and other items on the parish wish list
About the Marian devotional space
A lindenwood relief of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, standing 5’ ¾- inches tall, looks out from the center of a beautiful shrine which will be situated in the transept of the church, on the west wall, to the right of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. She is flanked by 22 smaller reliefs (also lindenwood), portraying female saints of various professions and circumstances. Wooden arches above Our Lady, as well as the front railing, are constructed of red oak to match our baptismal font. The base of the shrine will also have a wooden finish. To each side, 10 black, forged steel, votive candle stands will house candles for prayer intentions. An offering box will also be placed between the railing and Our Blessed Mother for replacing and adding candles.
About the St. Joseph devotional space
On the north side of the church, to the left of the stained glass Nativity window, a shrine to Saint Joseph will face that of Our Lady. As opposed to a more typical statue, this unique lindenwood relief will portray the saint on his deathbed with Mary and Jesus close to him. Like the Marian shrine, smaller reliefs will flank either side of the central figure, depicting male saints that will correspond to the chosen female saints. The remainder of the shrine will be finished to match the architecture of the Our Lady space, opposite. The Book of the Dead, will be moved and placed by the shrine, owing to the fact that Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the dying.
The latest artist rendering of plans for the Marian space.
The spaces will not only witness to the depth and richness of the Catholic faith, but invite us to stay a while, communing will the Holy Trinity through the intercession of our beloved saints - especially Our Lady and Saint Joseph whom God handpicked as examples to us in our daily family lives.