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Sculpture of Thomas Aquinas
This
Sculpture was commissioned and donated to Stella by Fr. Des White.
The following is taken from Fr. Des White's Dedication of the Sculpture of Thomas Aquinas.
Saint Thomas was born in Italy in the year 1225. He first went to school at Monte Casino and later went to study in Paris and in Germany. Saint Thomas had a great love for the Eucharist and taught us to love our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion. We are fortunate to have him as our friend and helper as we grow up. Saint Thomas always studied hard to find the truth. You can see him in the window on the right side of the Altar. He always has a book and the Blessed Sacrament with him.
This lovely Church and House at Stella, steeped in history, goes back beyond the years of 1870. In fact Stella had a religious presence as far back as 1143 when Nuns of St Bartholomew resided hereabouts.
Our present, Catholic tradition, is embedded in those 1700's; of the Widdrington and Tempest families. The Church opened in the year of our Lord 1831, was dedicated to Saints Mary & Thomas Aquinas. Thomas would not be ashamed to be in the supporting role of our patrons, but it was thought that now was a good time to give him a more visible presence.
Ken Grant the Sculptor, was commissioned to create, in material and form, a piece of work that would embody the sprit of St. Thomas as a great man, Saint, Philosopher and inspiration to future generations, (students of the Philosopher may not always share the joys of his work) Ken very kindly and eagerly agreed to undertake this project.
Here we have something quite unique. It was agreed that we did not want a 'statue' and it was a joy to re-read about Thomas and to discover, again who and what he was.
A large man, both in intellect faith and if we are to believe the history books, in the girth of his figure. He was a man endowed with the intuitive knowledge of Angles; a clear perception in seeing the logical path through moral arguments and principals of behavior; what was true liberty; the Divine origin of authority. He was concerned for an understanding of the Paternal and Just Government of Sovereign Princes. He argued effectively about the Will of God, Heaven and Hell, and the "in between" places.
This Sculpture represents Thomas very adequately I believe. The rich colour of the sand stone, with a coarse grain, is chiseled and cut into a profile. It is a 'hands on' sculpture, good to touch. The broad forehead and strong features of the face can suggest the large intellect of Thomas. The natural elements of the stone and wood are combined here. The timber, good straight grained pine, is from the core of the tree, to imply that straight and true thought running through the arguments. The name 'Thomas' is simply carved into the wood, those who love this place don't need any other.
On this day of dedication we pray that the spirit of Saint Thomas will be with us and that we will like Thomas, seek out the truth.