ART AND ENVIRONMENT
MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
MANDEVILLE,
LOUISIANA
We are Mary, Queen of Peace,
a vibrant Catholic community
that embraces our baptismal call
to life in Christ
and responds by welcoming all in
worship, encouraging commitment to
Christian service and inviting all to grow
in faith, hope and love.
Francis Xavier Seelos was born on January 11, 1819 in Fussen,
Bavaria, Germany. He was baptized on the same day in the
parish church of St. Mang. Having expressed a desire for the
priesthood since childhood, he entered the diocesan seminary in
1842 after having completed his studies in philosophy. Soon
after meeting the missionaries of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), founded for the evangelization
of the most abandoned, he decided to enter the Congregation
and to minister to the German speaking immigrants in the
United States. On December 22, 1844, after having completed
his novitiate and theological studies, Seelos was ordained a
priest in the Redemptorist Church of St. James in Baltimore,
Maryland, U.S.A. Later he was sent to the Archdiocese of New
Orleans. Francis died of yellow fever on October 4, 1867, after
tirelessly caring for victims of this disease. He was only 48
years old.
Francis was a very simple man who lived a
simple lifestyle. His availability and innate
kindness in understanding and helping those
in need made him well known as a confessor
and spiritual director. Blessed Seelos
invites all of us to deepen our union with
Christ in the sacraments of Penance and
Eucharist.
His Holiness Pope John Paul II, proclaimed
Father Seelos Blessed in St. Peter's Square
on April 9th of the Solemn Jubilee Year
2000. His Feast Day is October 5.
This reliquary is buried beneath our altar.
Let us pray that through his intercession
God will continue providing the Church
with holy and dedicated priests, sisters, deacons, and other
ministers, especially here in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Our church has four Dedication Candles in the worship space.
These cross-shaped candle holders
in a fleur-de-lis motif mark the
places where the walls were
anointed with Sacred Chrism.
The candles in these brackets were
first lighted during the ritual
lighting at the dedication, They
are lighted on anniversaries of the
dedication and on other solemn
occasions.
The burying of a Martyr's relics beneath the table of the altar
goes back to the early church, when the persecuted
Christians celebrated Mass in the catacombs. The custom has
been maintained for the sacred mysteries of our faith to be
celebrated over relics. We chose Blessed Francis Xavier
Seelos because of his connection to our archdiocese.
† The Crucifix with the image of the crucified Jesus represents
his suffering and death. It is the death of Jesus, the son of God,
that reveals the total love of God for mankind. This work of art
hung in our previous church, now the Parish Center, and serves
as a link to our history with that worship space.
House Filled with Faith, Hope and Love
Welcome to Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church. It is our
hope that in sharing with us in liturgy, you will be moved from
worship to fellowship and grow with us in our community of
faith, hope and love.
† The Stained Glass Window of Mary is seen as you enter or
if you look up in the Narthex.
St. Anthony is patron saint of lost items, the poor and travelers.
He lived from 1195 to 1231.
The reason for invoking St. Anthony's help in finding lost or
stolen things is traced back to an incident in his life. As the
story goes, Anthony had a book of
psalms that was very important to
him. Besides the value of any book
before the invention of printing,
the psalter had the notes and
comments he made to use in
teaching students in his Franciscan
Order.
A novice who had grown tired of
living religious life decided to
depart the community. Besides
going AWOL he also took
Anthony's psalter! Upon realizing
his psalter was missing, Anthony
prayed it would be found or
returned to him. After his prayer
the thieving novice was moved to
return the psalter to Anthony and
return to the Order, which accepted
him back.
This 14’ x 14’ window was made entirely by hand. The painted
figure of Mary with the Baby Jesus is made of opalescent glass,
translucent glass and twelve hand-cut clear “jewels” depicting
the twelve stars in Mary’s crown. The design is based on
Revelation 12:1: “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman
clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her
head a crown of twelve stars.” Ruth Goliwas, a New Orleans
liturgical artist, designed the work in our church, with the
exception of our crucifix.
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St. Anthony is shown holding the baby Jesus on an open Bible
with one hand, and a loaf of bread with the other. The Christ
child in Anthony’s arms represents the embodiment of the Word
of God. In 1946, Pope Pius XII officially declared Anthony a
Doctor of the Universal Church, with the designation “Doctor
of the Gospel.” Clearly, Anthony taught Scripture with great
power and effectiveness. The bread represents his service to the
poor, usually through “St. Anthony's Poor Box.” We do not
have a “poor box” as our parishioners serve the needy through
regular contributions to our St. Vincent de Paul Society.
St. Anthony is included in our church because he has long been
a popular saint in the New Orleans area, and he provides a
wonderful connection to our history.
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These new statues, designed by Ruth Goliwas, were carved
from lindenwood, a kind of pine that grows only in Italy.
Many parishes on the north shore were founded by the
Benedictine monks, and we honor their contribution with this
statue in the back of our church. St. Benedict founded western
Christian monasticism, living from 480-547.
† The Narthex or Foyer (Gathering Place) is the main entrance
to our church. It is a place of welcome for all to gather as we
prepare to worship God. It is designed to separate the noise of
socializing from the quiet of the worship space, where we are
called together to form one community acting together for the
common good of all.
† The Vesting Room is where the priest, deacon, and altar
servers prepare for the celebration to come.
† The Worship Space or Nave is the sacred place for the
celebration of the liturgy. As we enter, we dip our hands into
holy water and make the sign of the cross, reminding us that we
are baptized and belong to Christ. As we gather, we should be
aware that we are in the presence of Jesus, not only in the
tabernacle (see below) but in the assembly itself, as in
Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together
in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Before entering a
pew, we genuflect as a sign of reverence for the presence of
Jesus.
† The Aisle is where Mass begins as the presider, deacon,
minister of the word and altar servers process toward the
sanctuary and the choir leads the assembly in song. The deacon
will carry the Book of the Gospels up the aisle and place it on
the altar. The song serves to unify the assembly, helping it
become “one body in Christ.”
He was asked to become the abbot of a nearby monastery while
living humbly in a cave. Familiar with the life in that abbey he
had no desire to lead it. After numerous entreaties he
reluctantly agreed. It did not work out and the monks tried to
poison him. Legend has it they first tried to poison his drink,
which is represented by the snake. He prayed a blessing over
the cup and the cup shattered. Then they tried to poison his
bread. When he prayed a blessing over the bread, a raven swept
in and took the loaf away.
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† The Sanctuary area of the church holds the altar, ambo,
tabernacle, crucifix, and chairs for the presider and deacons.
When the procession reaches the sanctuary, the priest and
deacon genuflect or bow profoundly, recognizing the presence
of Jesus in the Eucharist. They then reverently kiss the altar,
the table of sacrifice, the Table of the Eucharist. When the
Entrance Song is concluded, the presider stands at the chair and,
together with the whole gathering, makes the Sign of the Cross.
Then he signifies the presence of the Lord to the assembly by
means of the Greeting. By this Greeting and the people’s
response, the mystery of the Church gathered together is made
manifest.
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The Rose of Christ found throughout the sanctuary is based
upon the Song of Solomon 2:1 “I am a flower of Sharon,
a lily of the valley.” Christian theologians
over the centuries have interpreted this to be
an allegorical reference to the love of Christ
for his bride, his Beloved, i.e., the Church.
The physical image is loosely based on the
hibiscus flower. Architecturally, it is
repeatedly found in early (and modern)
Christian churches as a decorative motif,
often appearing in the center of the boss (sculptural medallion
on the ceiling) and/or other places in the sculptural decor of the
church.
† The Presider's Chair is more than a piece of furniture. It
symbolizes the person who sits there, the priest who is not a
performer to be watched but a leader engaged with all those
gathered together. Ideally, the position and structure of the
chair identifies the priest as one with the people yet also their
leader.
It is made of Italian light oak, chestnut and lindenwood with a
relief carving of the Holy Spirit, St. Peter and St. Paul, with
gold leaf banding. There are two deacon chairs made of the
same wood and gold leaf banding.
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† The Stations of the Cross are the focus of the devotion
which we know as the Way of the Cross, which began in the
Middle Ages as a form of
prayer and served as a type of
catechism, depicting the
suffering of Jesus as he
carried the cross to Calvary.
Various Franciscan
communities in charge of the
holy places in Jerusalem
helped popularize the
devotion in the fourteenth century. The fourteen stations of
stained glass were preserved from our old church. Ruth
Goliwas used the thorny vine as a motif.
† Space for the choir and a variety of instruments is situated to
the left of the sanctuary. The risers are built-in and seat 41
choir members. The Yamaha Grand Piano and the Allen organ
were brought from the old church. This location recognizes that
music is intimately connected with liturgical action. Music
adds dimension to prayer, fosters oneness of spirit, and vests the
rites with greater solemnity. St.
Paul reminds those who gather
together to await the Lord’s
coming to sing psalms, hymns, and
inspired songs. (Colossians 3:16)
The choir, consisting of individuals
from the community who have
special musical gifts, assists the
assembly in giving voice and praise
to God in song.
The Holy Family statues are to the
left of the altar. The holy family
has been with our parish since its
beginnings in the strip mall.
Including the holy family in our art
reinforces that Mary, Queen of
Peace is truly family, in all of its
many forms.
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Mark 1: 9-10 “Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was
baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water
he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove,
† The Altar is the Table of the Eucharist, the center of the
Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is here that the priest invites the
gathered assembly to lift up their hearts to the Lord in prayer
and thanksgiving. The meaning of the prayer is that the entire
congregation joins itself with Christ in confessing the great
deeds of God and in the offering of sacrifice. The Eucharistic
Prayer is deserving of reverence and silence from all. At the
altar, the sacrifice of the cross is made present under
sacramental signs. The eucharistic meal recalls the last supper;
in memory of Jesus, we break bread and offer wine,
transubstantially changed into the body and blood of Christ. St.
Ambrose once wrote, “The altar represents the body of Christ
and the Body of Christ is on the altar.”
Our altar is made of hand-carved Italian lindenwood, light oak
and chestnut woods with 24kt. Byzantine gold leaf crosses and
banding. Three apostle symbols are on each leg. It is a solid
and grounded piece, and by its very nature a table of sacrifice,
and a table of paschal banquet.
descending upon him.” The materials are tesserae glass and
stone fabricated on a honeycomb metal background.
† The Reconciliation Rooms are situated near the baptismal
font, reminding the faithful to embrace the transformation
necessary to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.”
(Mark 1:15) The rooms provide the penitent with the choice of
confessing either face-to-face or in anonymity behind a screen.
The room is spacious and the lighting is conducive to prayerful
reflection and recollection. We should all feel comfortable here
to confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, receive absolution and
continue our lives as a faith-filled people.
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On the front of the altar, the left column is
topped by the symbol of Peter, who was
given the keys to the kingdom, and who,
tradition says, requested an inverted
crucifixion, not wanting the honor of being
crucified like Christ. Peter is the patron
saint of fishermen and popes.
Below Peter is the symbol for John, the
winged eagle, representing his soaring
witness to Jesus' divine nature. John is also
represented by the cup with a snake, a
symbol based on the challenge given to him
by a high priest of Diana at Ephesus to
“drink from a poisoned cup” to prove his
loyalty to Christ. John is patron for
theologians and poison sufferers.
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The walking stick adorned with scallop shells represents James
The Major. He is often depicted with a wide-brimmed hat, a
walking stick and the shells used by pilgrims to scoop up
drinking water. Shells also represent pilgrimage by sea. James
is the only apostle whose death is recorded in scripture (Acts
12:2). Laborers, milliners and rheumatoid sufferers ask James
Major for intercession.
churches and altars. The holy oil bottles are hand-blown glass
with colored raku stoppers shaped as flames with colored bases.
† The Baptismal Font is located in the front on the right side
of the altar. This liturgical symbol by its presence shows us that
through the water of the font, we enter into the church
community as we celebrate each person's baptism. The running
water reminds us of Jesus’ promise that “the water I give shall
become a fountain within him, leaping up to provide eternal
life.” (John 4:14)
The column on the right front of the altar represents
Bartholomew, Andrew, and Philip. Bartholomew, according to
tradition, was flayed alive, crucified and then beheaded.
Bartholomew is the patron of plasterers.
Andrew is represented by an X-shaped
cross because it was said that he felt
unworthy to be crucified in the same manner
as Christ. This cross became known as “St.
Andrew's Cross” and appears on the flag of
Scotland, which claims him as its patron
saint. Andrew, along with his brother Peter,
is the patron of fishermen.
Philip is said to have been martyred by
crucifixion or the spear, or bound to a cross
and stoned to death. Philip is the patron of
milliners and pastry chefs.
The back of the altar has columns representing the remaining
apostles.
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The basin for infant baptism was reamed from one piece of
Bottichino marble found only in Italy. Once the artist carved
the marble, he delivered it to the coast of Italy, where the
mosaic was done. The mosaic is in 24kt. gold Byzantine
tesserae. There are three panels of etched glass with the words
from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 12:13 “Born in
one Spirit, we were all baptized into one Body”. The pool is
polished marble with a spout for water flow.
The baptismal font is backed by a mosaic showing the baptism
of Jesus by John the Baptist. It depicts the scene from
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† The Paschal Candle, adorned with an
angel, symbolizes the risen Christ. It is
blessed and lighted during the annual Easter
Vigil service. It burns at every liturgy during
the Easter season. After the season, it is
placed near the baptismal font to symbolize
our entering into the death and resurrection of
Christ at our baptism. The candle is also lit
for baptisms and funerals.
† The Sacristy is located in the back right of the sanctuary. It
is where the wine and hosts are stored along with the chalices,
ciboriums and purificators. The cups used for the Blood of
Christ are washed and then drained into the sacrarium, which
goes straight into the ground, providing for reverent disposal.
† The Ambry is the repository for the sacred oils and is located
on the wall to the left of the baptismal
font. The oils are blessed annually by the
archbishop at the Chrism Mass during
Holy Week and are distributed to all
parishes in the archdiocese. The oil of the
sick is used to bring comfort and support
to those who are seriously ill or
debilitated. The oil of catechumens is
used to prepare candidates for baptism.
The holy chrism is used to anoint the
newly baptized, to seal candidates for
confirmation, and to anoint the hands of
priests and the heads of bishops at their
ordination, as well as in the rites of
anointing pertaining to the dedication of
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James The Less was a son of Alphaeus.
He worked in and near Jerusalem and was
probably its first bishop. An ancient
historian claims that James was pushed
from a pinnacle of the Temple at the age
of 96. Near death, he rose to ask
forgiveness for his enemies, who then beat
him with a fuller's bat and sawed his body
in pieces. James is the patron of the dying.
Matthias was the Apostle chosen by lot to
take Judas' place as one of the twelve.
Tradition holds that he worked in Judea or
Ethiopia. He is said to have been stoned
and then beheaded. Matthias is the patron
of carpenters and tailors.
Simon the Zealot was martyred in Persia by being beheaded or
sawn in pieces. Simon is the patron of sawmen and tanners.
Thomas is the patron saint of the building
trades: architects, builders, masons,
surveyors. In India he is reported to have
built a church with his own hands. Thomas
died when he was shot with arrows, stoned
and left to die. A priest then ran a spear
through him.
Jude was also known as Thaddeus.
Traditions vary as to his field of missionary
work. He is reputed to have traveled with
Simon. Legend has him carrying a coin
with the image of Jesus, and being beaten
to death with a club. Jude is the patron
saint of desperate causes.
Matthew is represented by a book, for the
gospel written in his name, and by the axe,
by which he was hacked to death. Matthew is the patron saint
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of accountants and tax collectors, as he was a tax collector
before following Jesus.
† The Ambo is the center of the Liturgy of the Word, the
second part of the Mass. As the Table of God’s Word, it is
where the readings from sacred scripture take place. In the
proclamation of scripture from the lectionary, God speaks to
his people and we respond in faith. The homily can also take
place at the ambo.
Our ambo is made of hand-carved Italian lindenwood, light oak
and chestnut woods with Byzantine gold-leaf crosses and
banding with individual hand-carved panels portraying the four
Evangelists.
The symbols for the four Evangelists – the
eagle, the winged man, the winged lion,
and the winged ox – are derived from the
vision in Ezekiel 1:5 of four living
creatures, although Ezekiel's description is
most likely of cherubim: “Within it were
figures resembling four living creatures
that looked like this: their form was human,
but each had four faces and four wings, and
their legs went straight down; the soles of
their feet were round. They sparkled with a
gleam like burnished bronze. Their faces
were like this: each of the four had the face
of a man, but on the right side was the face
of a lion, and on the left side the face of an
ox, and finally each had the face of an
eagle.”
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† The Tabernacle holds the Eucharistic bread primarily for the
purpose of Holy Communion for the sick and for adoration and
devotion. It is the place provided for reverent repose of the
Blessed Sacrament. Because the tabernacle contains the
consecrated Body of Christ, we genuflect or bow before it out
of reverence. The sanctuary lamp near the tabernacle reminds
us of Jesus' presence in the Eucharist reserved there.
The tabernacle is fronted with
the Jerusalem Cross,
representing the love Jesus had
for the city. This complex form
is composed of a central cross
made of four tau crosses
representing the Old Testament
law. The four smaller Greek
crosses represent the fulfillment
of the law in the gospel of
Christ. Others have interpreted it
to represent the missionary work
of the church, spreading the
gospel to the four corners of the earth. Still others have
indicated the five crosses represent the five wounds of Christ on
the cross (hands, feet and side). The cross appeared on the coatof-arms of Godfrey of Bouillon, the first ruler of the Latin
Kingdom of Jerusalem. It was embodied in the heraldry of the
Crusaders.
Our tabernacle was made in Italy and the United States. It is
made from bronze with a 24kt. gold Byzantine mosaic on the
two doors. The hand-laid red tesserae (small cubes of material)
Jerusalem cross represents the love Jesus had for Jerusalem.
Luke 19:41 “As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it.”
The stand is made of chestnut, oak and lindenwood with gold
banding and an incised gold cross on the front.
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