Our team, under Rolf's direction, has been diligently working on the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive sacred art program at St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center in the Diocese of Fargo. Newman centers are Catholic ministry hubs at non-Catholic universities, providing pastoral services to their communities. This revitalized facility will cater to Christian students at North Dakota State University, offering them a warm, nurturing environment to prepare for their vocations and live virtuous Catholic lives.
The theology of the church is taking shape through beautiful and profound art that uplifts the human spirit towards God. Recently, the scaffolding was removed, revealing the completion of several awe-inspiring pieces of sacred art. Rolf and his artists collaborated closely with the parish team to evolve these visions from conceptual images and smaller-scale paintings into approved, full-sized, detailed black-and-white sketches. Afterward, these drawings were meticulously painted and applied to the church interior.
The lower part of the apse mural features jewel-toned depictions of God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Cross surrounded by adoring angels. Twelve Apostles at the base bear witness to this divine vision. From the upper images, radiant beams of light descend to Earth, bringing salvation to disciples and the repentant.
Master artisans from Italy completed the mosaic figures of the Apostles gathered around the Tabernacle at sunset. Glittering gold tesserae draw attention to the heart of Christian worship, where the Latin acronym for Jesus, Savior of Mankind, accompanies a Eucharistic chalice. Bison Catholics and other worshippers finding solace here are reminded of Christ’s Last Supper and His ultimate sacrifice.
The artwork continues upward to the ceiling, adorned with gold leaf stars against a cobalt night sky. A Byzantine-style Pantocrator, Jesus Christ as Ruler of the Universe, radiates from a recess. His hand is raised in blessing while He holds a Gospel. Surrounding this majestic figure are winged symbols of the Four Evangelists—Matthew as a man, Mark as a lion, Luke as a calf, and John as an eagle. In the early stages of design, one of our artists created an impressive 3D model to illustrate how this mural might appear at the church's center.
Towards the rear of the space, a mixed-media painting above the baptismal area depicts the Holy Spirit surrounded by flowing ribbons of living water, symbolizing eternity. Within the circle, stenciled calligraphy recounts the Transfiguration narrative from the Gospel of Matthew: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” It serves as a reminder that God’s life-giving presence, initiated through Baptism, remains constant.
Our artists also meticulously restored the existing wooden Stations of the Cross, harmonizing them with the interior’s overall aesthetic.
Bryan Wilburn, Director of Development for St. Paul’s Newman Center, imparted insightful advice for those planning liturgical projects. He remarked, “Don’t skimp on beauty. As one benefactor wisely put it, at a time when we thought of scaling back: ‘If you cut the beauty out, you’ll never come back and add it in later.’ ”
We look forward to sharing further updates on this church renovation as it nears its conclusion.
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