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Eternal Father Wood Carving

Wood Carving of the Eternal Father
 
The wood carving of the Eternal Father was created by artist Michael Dunn of California from a drawing that was originally done by Sr. Raphael, a nun from Mother Angelica's religious order (EWTN). An anonymous donor from St. Alexander Parish obtained copyright permission from Mother Angelica's order to allow the use of Sr. Raphael's drawing as the basis for commissioning the wood carving. The final carving, which took over 10 months to create, was installed shortly before Christmas, 2000, and is 36 inches wide by 33 inches high.

The Eternal Father is carved out of walnut, which was obtained from a single tree in Mississippi and milled in Missouri. The back mounting is created of seven planks joined together. Including the back mount, three layers of wood were built up, permitting the carving to be done in three dimensions.

The robes seem to be composed of two different pieces. The outer garment flows upward over the Eternal Fathers shoulder. This represents the turmoil that exists in this world when we're away from the Father. The inner garment, on the other hand, is at rest in a peaceful position. We will be at peace the closer we get to the Father, no what what kind of turmoil is swirling around us.

The carving itself is placed on the inside of the chapel over the entryway. From this position, an adorer must look up to the Eternal Father. This is the same vantage point that a two year old has when looking up to their father. Unless we are like little children, we cannot come to the Father. Likewise, by being placed higher than eye level, it reminds us that we can never be on the same plain as God. He is the Creator, we are the created - created to live and to love and to serve the Lord with all of our heart, mind, body and soul.



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