"Come Holy Spirit"

Artist Statement

"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen."

 

The long three-dimensional gold rays mirror those in St. Peter's Basilica and reflect on Franciscan University's aim to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all things, and to be rooted in the magisterium of the Catholic Church. The rays of fire are symbolic to the charismatic renewal, which is deeply connected to the founding and identity of Franciscan University.

 

The stars point to the Abrahamic covenant, and God's promise to make his "descendants as many as the stars in the sky" (Genesis 26:4). The stars are the same shape as found on the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a subtle nod to her divine role as the Spouse of the Spirit.

 

The globe reminds the viewer of The Great Commission "to go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28: 19). This would be a daunting task, if it were not for Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8-9). It is the same commission that fuels the university's commitment to evangelizing to the world through various conferences that will also be housed in this space. The warm glow around the globe reminds us of Christ's desire, "I have come to set the world on fire, and how I wish it were already ablaze!" (Luke 12:49).

 

It is fitting that the Dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, is on the third floor where the nursing department resides. These future nurses will be God's hands and feet, tending to the sick and injured. The Dove serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is with them and is the ultimate healer. The rays will be prominently visible on the second floor where the business department resides. Business students will work with people from all walks of life, and they will need the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit to shine the light of Christ throughout all their business endeavors. Finally, the engineering department on the ground floor, will have the best view of the globe, reminding them of their task to understand and cooperate with the order of creation.

 

The whole composition could be understood as a representation of Genesis 1:2, where the "Spirit of God" hovers above the water and is present during the work of creation. The Holy Spirit ultimately helps us discern and understand the order of all creation through the light of Christ.

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To purchase a Print of "Come Holy Spirit," visit my Etsy.