The right panel shows the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove hovering over the apostles hiding behind walls “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). They are surrounded by fire. The Acts of the Apostles reports that these tongues of fire “parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim” (Acts 2:3-4). The billowing curtain is evocative of the account in the Acts of the Apostles that states “there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind” (Acts 2:2).
The center panel depicts Mary’s assumption into heaven. Notice the tomb at her feet as well as the roses (symbolic of Mary) and the stars (which speak of her being assumed into heaven) that surround her. On the bottom of the panel the Ark of the Covenant provides an allegorical reference to Mary as the ark of the new covenant; after all, she is the bearer of God’s Son.
The left panel depicts the Church of today. The green cross represents the living Church flowing from the side of Christ (cf. John 19:34). The laurel wreath above the cross symbolizes Christ’s victory over death. The Church holds the keys to the kingdom and the priest celebrating Mass presents the primary purpose of the Church – to lead its people in worship of the one, true God. The red heart behind the priest speaks of Christ’s love for his Church which is present in the people gathered below the altar. The anchor-cross with four stars is a symbol of hope found often in the catacombs of the early Church. The anchor signifies the Church, often depicted as a ship sailing through the storms of time, and the stars symbolize the four gospels. Notice the book, bearing the Greek letters chi and rho, the first two Greek letters of Χριστος – “Christ”. You will recall that “Christ” is Greek for “Messiah,” the anointed one. This ancient symbol of Christ emphasizes that Jesus, the Word-made-flesh, remains in the Church, the Body of Christ.