Brigidine College, Indooroopilly, Queensland was presented with a very special gift at the College’s first assembly for Term 4 2018, from craftswoman Caroline Smith, a staff member of St Joseph’s College, Echuca..
In 2017, during the Kildare Ministries Pilgrimage in Ireland, Deputy Principal Mission, Andrew Beiers and Business Manager, Claudia Mathews met Caroline, and so began the story of the creation of this Crozier.
Caroline has spent almost one hundred hours crafting this beautiful symbolic piece for the College, to celebrate the College’s 90th Anniversary.
“The ninety year old River Red Gum used in this piece was selected for its indigenous connection to our land, the crook is made from Tasmanian Oak, representing our past. The Oak tree is symbolic, as it was planted by Daniel Delany in Kildare, Ireland and was also the place that St Brigid founded a monastery. The Staff has, at its heart, a stainless-steel rod that reinforces and strengthens the timber. It has an inner strength and resilience. It is both rigid and flexible; yet on the outside, is very delicate and fragile – much like ourselves.”
The crook, made up of many thin layers, has been carefully sculpted into a gentle curve leading to carvings of the St Brigid’s Cross on both sides. The Glendalough Celtic Cross, featured on both sides of the centre piece, is the most ancient and powerful of symbols. A Bishop’s Crozier takes its form from a shepherd’s crook. It symbolises Christ, as the Good Shepherd, caring for his flock by using the staff to encourage his flock along the right path, and the curved crook to draw back those who stray. The “rod and staff” were used to protect, guide and lead.
The students, staff and families of Brigidine College Indooroopilly are so proud to have such a powerful and impressive symbol at the College as they celebrate their ninety years of education in the Brigidine tradition.
Photo: Brigidine College Indooroopilly