San Damiano Cross Honors Capuchin Missionary Friars in Papua New Guinea

Rohn & Associates Design was deeply grateful to receive the following letter of thanks from our dear friend Fr. Donald Lippert in Papua New Guinea. For us, sharing in his faith—and the faith of everyone we work with—through the creation of art and liturgical design is the most rewarding part of being Catholic artists. We are blessed with the opportunity to do this every day and look forward to being part of many more moments of friendship and faith in the future.

"8 December 2009

Dear Rolf (and company),

Peace and goodness! We are drawn to remember you with admiration and gratitude as we remember your magnificent gift of the San Damiano Crucifix stained-glass window for our new Chapel at Capuchin Friars College here at our mission in Papua New Guinea. The San Damiano window is without a doubt the artistic and spiritual centerpiece and cornerstone of our major building project.

The San Damiano Crucifix was instrumental in the early vocation of Saint Francis of Assisi. It was while praying in front of this crucifix that Christ spoke to the young Francis instructing him to ‘rebuild my church’. I firmly believe that the San Damiano stained-glass window will also ‘speak’ to the hearts of future generations of young Capuchin-Franciscans who also wish to respond to the loving call of the crucified Lord to build-up the church in this far away land. Your colleagues have created an amazing masterpiece of sacred art whose stunning beauty and awesome detail bring the cross to life when illumined by the rays of the sun.

There is no way to thank-you for such a gift that will continue to give and inspire for generations to come! What I can promise however, is a constant and unbroken remembrance in grateful and fervent prayer for you and your family and associates each time we gaze upon the beauty of the San Damiano Crucifix stained-glass window during the hours we spend each day in prayer and meditation.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Fr. Donald F. Lippert, O.F.M. Cap.
Rector"

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Donald Lippert and all priests for their many years of service, guidance, and friendship. As we reflect on this year honoring priests, which will culminate in Rome with an international gathering of priests and the Holy Father from June 9–11, 2010, we express our deep gratitude for their dedication to the Church. We also offer the following prayer from the Chalice Ministry at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Ft. Worth, TX, asking that they remain ever faithful to their sacred calling:

"Lord, guide all who are seeking you, may your spirit direct all who are called to a religious vocation and strengthen those who have committed themselves to priesthood or the religious life. Inspire men and women to serve your church and keep us all in your grace."

Amen