|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
The Tree of Life |
.jpg)
|
 |
MICHAEL GOSS designed and made a colourful banner representing the Sacraments which hangs in the church.
It was exhibited at the diocesan Jubilee art display in 1977. The symbolic tree is used by many faiths to express their beliefs in God and His relationship to mankind. This use is understandable, given the long life, of trees and their expression of seasonal change; also their living roots in creation and branches pointing to the heavens. This tree of life expresses Christian belief as expressed in the Church’s sacraments. The hart links from the water which feeds the tree’s roots and represents the soul’s thirst for God; “Like as the hart desireth the water brooks, so longeth my soul after thee, 0 God.” The Water symbolises the living waters of baptism from which faith begins. The Pelican is a symbol of the Church which feeds the Christian with its life blood. From the base of the tree grows wheat and above it, grapes. From these, wine and bread are made, which are the elements of Communion. |
Marriage is expressed in the white orange blossom, the bride’s flower. The robins (both male and female have red breasts) remind us of family responsibilities.
Penance: The holly leaves are traditionally used as a sign of the passion; the crown of thorns. The red berries remind us of the blood of Christ shed. Legend has it that the robin got its red breast trying to remove the thorns from Christ’s brow.
The branches of the tree at this point form a cross. The opposite branch carries apples, a symbol of man’s fall in the Garden of Eden. The cancelling of sin in sacramental confession is shown in these two branches.’
Ordination and Confirmation: seven red leaves of fire at the crown of the tree express the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through Ordination and Confirmation the warmth of God’s love is given.
Unction: The berries of the olive under the apple branch are crushed to provide the oil of this sacrament. Rejoicing and healing are expressed In this sacramental sign.
The Owl is included as a reminder of the risen Christ. This bird sees through the darkness to light. Faith, “the substance of things hoped for” Is expressed In this tree.
The unity of all God’s works in his Church are linked in this, one living, growing sign.