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 newly rebuilt facility—rising from the devastation of an F-5 tornado that destroyed the original structure—is being thoughtfully designed to serve the spiritual needs of Christian students at North Dakota State University. Once complete, it will offer a welcoming, sacred environment where students can deepen their relationship with Christ, discern their vocations, and live out virtuous Catholic lives.
The theological vision of the church is taking shape through beautiful and profound art that uplifts the human spirit towards God. Recently, the scaffolding was removed, revealing several newly completed, awe-inspiring custom-designed liturgical artworks. 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, infusing the space with sacred beauty.
The lower part of the apse mural features vibrant, jewel-toned depictions of God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Cross surrounded by adoring angels. The Twelve Apostles, placed reverently at the base, bear witness to this divine vision. From the upper images, radiant beams of light descend to Earth, offering salvation to disciples and the repentant.
Master artisans from Italy completed the handcrafted mosaic figures of the Apostles gathered around the Tabernacle at sunset. Shimmering 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, the student community at North Dakota State University, and other worshippers who gather here are reminded of Christ’s Last Supper and His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.
The artwork continues upward to the ceiling, adorned with hand-applied gold leaf stars against a cobalt night sky. A Byzantine-style Christ Pantocrator, Jesus Christ as Ruler of the Universe, radiates majestically from a recess dome. His hand is raised in blessing while He holds the Book of Gospels. Surrounding this 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 architectural model to illustrate how this mural might appear at the church's center.
Towards the rear of the space, a mixed-media mural above the baptismal area depicts the Holy Spirit encircled by flowing ribbons of living water, representing eternity. Within the orb, 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.” This moment reminds all present that God’s life-giving presence—initiated through the sacrament of Baptism—abides continually.
Our artists also carefully restored and finished the existing wooden Stations of the Cross, ensuring they harmonize with the interior’s unified 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 as this transformative sacred art program and liturgical environment nears completion.
