Catholic schools are crucial to the communities they serve. They are not just educational institutions but integral members of a broader faith community that includes the parish and its members. By working together, these schools play a key role in living out and sharing the values of Christ, acting as both cornerstones and beacons of light that extend far beyond their immediate surroundings.

Catholic schools offer a holistic education that integrates academic excellence with a deep commitment to the spiritual, moral, social, emotional, cultural, and physical development of students.

In this Faith-centered environment, both teachers and students come to know and embrace Jesus Christ. They grow together in a setting characterized by mutual respect and love, grounded in Gospel values and the rich traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. This approach ensures that education is not just about intellectual achievement but also about fostering a well-rounded, faith-filled character.

Proclaiming the Faith: A Visual Invitation 

The act of proclaiming our faith is central to the mission of the Catholic Church, rooted in Christ’s command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This artwork serves as a visual meditation on that sacred calling, inviting viewers to reflect on their role in spreading the Gospel and embodying the Body of Christ. Through abstraction, vibrant color, and symbolic design, it seeks to transcend physicality and point toward the spiritual nature of humanity united in Christ. It is a proclamation not only of faith but also of unity, transformation, and divine purpose. 

Conceptual Framework: The Body of Christ and Spiritual Abstraction 

This piece represents the universal and unifying nature of the Body of Christ (Corpus Christi), as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The abstraction of human figures, stripped of physical detail, alludes to their spiritual essence; individuals transformed by grace into one cohesive body. Each figure is depicted with bursts of radiant color, symbolizing the unique gifts and talents bestowed upon them by God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). These colors converge in harmony around the cross, illustrating the death of ego required to fully embrace Christ’s light (Galatians 2:20) and become part of His mystical body. 

Liturgical Symbolism: Eucharistic Imagery and Apostolic Heritage 

The central cross and fragmented circle evoke hands lifting the Eucharist, echoing the proclamation, "We proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again" (1 Corinthians 11:26) The twelve abstracted figures nod to divine providence and the commissioning of the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4), who were instructed by Christ to spread the Gospel to all nations. This connection reinforces the apostolic heritage of the Catholic Church, rooted in its mission to proclaim salvation and preserve unity through apostolic succession. 

Historical Context: Mosaics and Stained Glass in Christian Iconography 

The fractured circular background pays homage to the rich tradition of Christian mosaics and stained-glass art from it’s earliest Byzantine roots to today, which have long served as profound tools for veneration and the proclamation of faith. These sacred art forms were created to visually communicate divine truths to the faithful, often illuminating biblical narratives and symbolic representations of humanity’s relationship with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. 

Color Symbolism: Blue and Purple in Catholic Tradition 

The colors blue and purple hold profound theological significance within the Catholic tradition. Blue symbolizes divine illumination and is associated with the Virgin Mary’s purity and connection to God’s light. Purple denotes penance, humility, and royalty; qualities embodied by Christ during His Passion. Together, these hues reflect both the transcendence and suffering inherent in Christ’s mission. 

Spiritual Vision: Proclaiming Faith Through Fractured Unity in CISVA 

In alignment with the mission of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) to "live, celebrate, and proclaim our faith" in partnership with home and parish, this artwork reflects the spiritual journey of proclaiming salvation amidst the challenges of a fragmented world. The circular, fractured design symbolizes humanity’s diverse and imperfect efforts to spread the Gospel across cultures and nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Yet, through Christ as the mediator (Ephesians 2:14), these fragments are reconciled into a unified whole, illustrating the transformative power of faith and the Church’s mission to build the Kingdom of God. 

The twelve figures surrounding the cross represent the Apostles, commissioned by Christ to proclaim His message to all corners of the earth. This echoes CISVA’s commitment to fostering evangelizing school communities that guide students in their pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness within the Catholic intellectual tradition. The vibrant bursts of color signify the unique gifts and talents each individual brings to this shared mission, a reflection of CISVA’s dedication to nurturing responsible citizens and Catholic leaders who embody their faith. 

Conclusion 

This artwork serves as a visual proclamation of CISVA’s mission to integrate faith into all aspects of life. It invites viewers into a contemplative journey of spiritual transformation; calling for a surrender of self to partake in Christ’s light and become unified within His mystical body. Rooted in Catholic theology and tradition, it celebrates both the diversity and unity of our faith community while inspiring us to live out our shared mission with courage and conviction. 

Description provided by Tessa Sechay 

Theme information written by Eliza Portugal