Chapels of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist

CLOQUET, MINNESOTA

The Carceri of the Northwoods is dedicated to education, especially sacramental education. The altar is made from wood. The six branches comprising its base represent six of the sacraments which culminate in the Eucharist, represented by a slab of wood which is the altar top.

The sacraments are depicted in seven stained glass windows created by a local artist.

Baptism is represented by the outline of Lake Superior which borders Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. Water is a strong presence here, with lakes found every five miles and heavy snow and ice in the winter. In Baptism, this ordinary element brings the life of Christ to the newly baptized.

Confirmation is associated with fire. Cloquet was destroyed by fire twice and each time the people rebuilt. In the sacrament, the Catholic is given the strength to be tested and to show the courage necessary to stand up for the Church. Perseverance and purification stand out in the local history as aspects reflected in this sacrament of "coming of age."

The mines of the Messaba Range are associated with the sacrament of reconciliation. Mounds of soil and taconite symbolize the darkness of sin. The Christ sunburst depicts the light of forgiveness and absolution which Christ gave to priests in His name.

  Click to continue.
This site is best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution.
Copyright 2000-2007 ©Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist