Sacred Art

In the Catholic Church, the crucifix has been the traditional sign and statement of our faith in God's love and mercy. The crucifix is a symbol of sacrifice and atonement, since, according to the Bible, Jesus died for the sins of the world.  It also reminds us that Jesus never promised his followers an easy life (Matt. 16:24) but that if we join our sufferings to his, we too will ultimately triumph as he did.

St. Joseph, Our Patron
Mentor of the Son of God

Located in the entry vestibule of the Family Center, this statue of St. Joseph was cast in Limoges, France, c. 1890.
It was brought to the United States and refurbished, installed, and dedicated on the Feast of St. Joseph - on March 19, 2004, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, Greenville, Delaware.

St. Joseph with Child Jesus

A traditional depiction of St. Joseph, holding lily flowers in one hand while holding the Child Jesus in the other.  This statue, located in the church was restored during the 2023 renovation.

Our Lady of Grace

Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and the Mother of the Church.  Her statue, under the title of Our Lady of Grace, is located in the church.  This statue was restored during the 2023 renovation.

“All those who devoutly venerate me in this picture and take refuge to me will have their request granted and I will obtain for them many graces; but especially will I hear their prayers for the relief and deliverance of the souls in purgatory.”
~ Our Lady of Grace to Dominic of Jesus-Mary 

Sacred Heart of Jesus

In Catholic churches and homes, one of the most popular images of Jesus is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is the image of God’s love revealed in the pierced heart of His Son. It is the symbol of a love that conquers sin and transcends death, the symbol of the One who loved us to the end.   This statue was restored during the 2023 renovation and is located in the rear of the church at the votive candle station.

"Baptism" needlepoint
Stitching: Pamela Begley Lindvall
Design: Frank B. Dougherty

The fish, in ancient times, represented the profession of faith in the divinity of Christ, our Redeemer.  Baptism is one of the Sacraments of Initiation, the point when someone essentially becomes a Christian.  (Source)

The candle represents the Light of Christ, the candle is lit at Baptism and is "to be kept burning brightly" as a child of the light.

"Eucharist" needlepoint
Stitching: Claudette Broussard
Design: John B. Tepe

The classic depiction from all four Gospels about the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is represented.

"Confirmation" needlepoint
Stitching: Marie Tobin Carroll
Design: John B. Tepe

A dove is a symbol of the sacrament of confirmation because it represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove when he was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (Mt 3:16; Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22), and the Holy Spirit descends upon each person who is confirmed. (Source)

"Reconciliation" needlepoint
Stitching: Moira Elizabeth Walker
Design: John B. Tepe

The priest's confessional stole and "Trinity" hand gesture during the prayer of absolution signify the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

"Anointing" needlepoint
Stitching: Isabel Pearce DePhillips
Design: John B. Tepe

The Oil of the Sick, which is pure olive oil that is blessed for the purpose of this Sacrament, is represented here. 

The Oil of the Sick is one of three Sacramental oils used by the church, the others being the Oil of the Catechumens (used for baptisms), and the Holy Chrism Oil (used for confirmations and ordinations).

"Orders" needlepoint
Stitching: Angela C. Rossetti
Design: Frank B. Dougherty

The Word of God in the form of a book along with the crozier of a bishop (shepherd's staff) represents the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

"Matrimony" needlepoint
Stitching: Elizabeth Sheridan Bacon
Design: John B. Tepe

The tradition of "two becoming one in Christ" is represented by the interlocking rings and cross.

The dragon represents evil overcome by the power of Christ who died that humanity might be redeemed.  The dragon is a recurring theme throughout the Book of Kells, usually in border detail or as an ornate initial letter.

This chair was replaced after the 2023 renovation.

Stitching: Joan Draper Pearce
Design: John B. Tepe

This piece features the curvilinear profile of an eagle, symbol of St. John, in contrast to a broad rectilinear framework or cage.  This theme is from the most perfectly preserved of the Hiberno-Saxon manuscripts, the Gospel of St. Willibroad, folio 176V, "The Eagle Symbol of St. John."  The borders draw on the steps and grids of the Book of Lindisfarne, folio 2V, "Carpet Page with Cross."

This chair was replaced after the 2023 renovation.

Stitching: Therese Hannon Stone
Design: Frank B. Dougherty