A Sanctuary Renewed: Inaugurating Our Diamond Jubilee
A look at the symbolism and restoration of St. Juliana’s historic sanctuary.
This Saturday, January 10th, marks a historic moment in the life of St. Juliana. As we officially inaugurate our 75th Anniversary Jubilee Year, we do so not only with gratitude for the past but with a renewed vision for the future.
For three-quarters of a century, this parish has been a home for the faithful. To celebrate this Diamond Jubilee, we embarked on a bold mission to renovate and beautify our sanctuary. The restoration work was entrusted to the internationally renowned Conrad Schmitt Studios, whose artisans have worked to ensure every detail lifts our minds to the mysteries of the faith.
The Theology of the Ceiling
The new ceiling is not merely decorative; it is a catechism in paint. If you look upward, you will see a celestial theme arranged in perfect order to demonstrate the Divine perfection of Heaven.
Each panel contains nine stars of three different sizes. In Scripture, nine is the number of divine completion. It recalls the “ninth hour” in Matthew 27:50—the moment of Christ’s passing and the beginning of mankind’s redemption. This number also honors our patroness, St. Juliana, whose martyrdom mirrored Christ’s sacrifice and completed her spiritual journey.
Furthermore, each star has eight points. The number eight is traditionally associated with the Resurrection (the “eighth day” of creation) and symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
The Sanctuary and Statuary
The architectural integrity of the church has been preserved, specifically the bare stone walls that define St. Juliana’s character. However, new elements now harmonize with this history:
St. Juliana & The Arches: The arches now feature a gold faux mosaic design. This echoes the historic stone of the exterior while providing a radiant background for the statue of St. Juliana, venerated here for her Christ-like devotion.
The Holy Family: The statues of Mary and Joseph have been placed on either side of the High Altar. They are surrounded by leafy border patterns, symbolically joining them with the vines above, reminding us of the fruitfulness of the Holy Family.
The Lamb of God: A new reredos anchors the sanctuary. Prominently displayed above the High Altar is the Lamb of God. The Lamb is surrounded by palm branches, the ancient symbol of Christian martyrdom, tying the sacrifice of the Mass to the witness of the martyrs.
The Crown Jewel
Perhaps the most moving addition to our sanctuary is the new Corpus for the crucifix. This almost life-sized wood carving of Our Lord serves as the focal point of our prayer. It is a stark, beautiful reminder of the love that allows us to call this parish home.
A Legacy for the Future
In our fundraising campaign, we spoke of the need to “unite as a parish community.” Thanks to your prayers and your financial support, we met the challenge of this $2 million project together.
We invite everyone to join us this Saturday for the inauguration of the Jubilee Year. Come and see the beauty of God’s house—restored for His glory and for the welcome of His people.
