Salvador Dali Candlesticks
You might have noticed some different candlesticks on the Daily Mass Chapel; I have used them every Lent. But, it’s been a few years since I offered an explanation about them and a few people have asked to hear it again so I offer it, once again, for your information. In the summer of 1979, I went on vacation to Spain with a priest-friend of mine. Touring the country, we ended up one day in the little town of Figueres in Catalonia. As we waited for the restaurants to open (as you know, dinner doesn’t start there until 10:00 or 11:00pm), we stopped in one of the local taverns for a drink. We were sitting at the bar when a kindly old gentleman, with a curious moustache and a twinkle in his eyes, walked in and sat next to us. He struck up a conversation with us. In the course of the conversation, we told him that we were Catholic priests. This caused him to pause for a moment. He ordered another drink and then, with some hesitation, admitted that he was a Catholic, but not a very good one. We smiled and assured him of our prayers. He went on to say that one of the reasons he wasn’t a very good Catholic was because he couldn’t understand how a good God could require his only son to die on the cross. Always the teacher, I couldn’t help but respond with an abbreviated version of Salvation History, explaining that this was all part of God’s plan. He appeared to be surprised and a little impressed by this explanation offered by this young upstart of a priest – I had just been ordained the previous year – and challenged me with another question about the Trinity. Again, I presented my Reader’s Digest version of the Blessed Trinity and ended by observing that, even on the cross, our Lord was accompanied by the Father and the Son and that, although we focus on Jesus as he died on the cross for us, it is really the work of the Blessed Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He thought for a moment and then threw down the last of his drink, shook our hands and left. As he left, he asked for my card.
Several months later, I received a package from Spain. In it, I found two silver candlesticks along with a hand-written note. The package was from the gentleman we had met in Spain. In the note, the gentleman explained that he had been greatly impressed by my clear explanation of two of the aspects of the Catholic faith that he had long struggled with: the cross and the Blessed Trinity. And, he was inspired to design a set of candlesticks that he hoped I would use occasionally when I celebrated Mass. He then offered an explanation of the candlesticks. He related that the candlesticks, which have two main supports, represent the cross. Notice, he wrote, that one of the supports appears to be broken in the middle; that represents Christ overcoming death on the cross. He went on to explain that out of each candlestick base a triangle appears to be pushing over the cross – that was to symbolize the Blessed Trinity destroying the power of death. The top of the candlesticks are triangles, again representing the Blessed Trinity because he recalled my final comment that Christ’s death on the cross was really the work of the Trinity. And, the candlestick bases are three tiered and curved – like hands. He explained that this was meant to symbolize that the work of salvation – accomplished by the Trinity – embraces the world. He signed his letter, Salvador Dali; the candlesticks are engraved with his signature as well.
As you may know, Salvador Dali died under mysterious circumstances ten years later. I never found out if he returned to fully embrace the faith but will never forget my encounter with him.
As I have done in my other assignments, I am using these candlesticks during Lent; you will find them on the daily Mass altar. I invite you to inspect them and reflect on the symbolism the designer provided; I have found it to be another very good source for fruitful meditation during this sacred season.
“Ecce Homo”
In the Gospel of John, we learn about a conversation that Jesus has with Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator, after Jesus had been arrested on the false charge of calling himself a king. After his conversation with Jesus, Pilate was convinced of Jesus’ innocence and tried to free him. He brought Jesus before the crowd and declared, “Ecce homo,” that is, “Behold the man!” This event has been depicted in art down through the ages; it captures a decisive moment for the people of Jesus’ time and challenges us to reflect on who we want as our king.
During Lent, we are called to recognize Jesus as our king; he is the only one who can truly save us and lead us back to the eternal Kingdom of God. You will find a bronze sculpture of “Ecce homo” in the sanctuary during Lent for your reflection. It was sculpted by Joseph Finisdore, a parishioner of Sacred Heart parish in Havertown where I was stationed (1986-1990). It depicts Jesus in his humility allowing himself to be placed on display before a hostile crowd who would condemn him to death. Of course, we know that his death would lead to his Resurrection and give us, once again, the possibility to enter into God’s kingdom. May we allow Jesus, our true king, to lead us through this Lenten Season to the glory of the Resurrection!