Hand-Carved Trinity Sculpture Becomes Sacred Centerpiece at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Visalia

During the recent dedication of the new St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Visalia, CA, many custom paintings enriched and united the new parish community. Among them, one image stood out: the awe-inspiring centerpiece of the Holy Trinity. At the heart of Christian belief, the Trinity reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This monumental portrayal loomed larger than life above the future location of the tabernacle, crafted from a precious piece of native Sequoia wood, with the new retablo mural serving as its backdrop. It became the focal point around which Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn orchestrated the sacred art plan for this new church construction.

Collaborating closely with artists to refine every detail, Rolf ensured the expressions, attire, and relationships harmonized with the overall artistic vision of the space. Once the church committee approved the designs, a renowned Spanish sculptor meticulously hand-carved the figures from Lindenwood and painted them.

The towering figure of God the Father, envisioned as guide and protector, gazes over us from behind a life-size crucifix. Suspended with grace by a complex steel support system engineered by structural experts, he bears the weight of his crucified son, Jesus Christ. Both figures are rendered in flesh-like tones to resonate with parishioners. God's regal burgundy gown, intricately edged in realistic gold brocade using the ancient Estofado technique, underscores his divine importance.

Jesus, shown clad in modest loincloth to emphasize his humanity, stands in contrast. The Latin abbreviation INRI, etched into the crucifix, proclaims Jesus as King of the Jews. Above them, the Holy Spirit, symbolized in a glorious blaze of light, bears witness to this profound sacrifice for humanity, offering protection, solace, and hope. The radiant beams extend to the star-studded sky represented in the custom Evangelist dome art and the earth below as portrayed in the retablo, reminding all of God's enduring love and wisdom in every moment.

We are honored to have played a small role in creating this priceless crucifix imagery, which will continue to comfort and inspire parishioners for generations to come.