Sisters of the Presentation of Mary

Archivist: Sister Patricia Brochu p.m.

In the years of 1992 and 1994 our Community here in Prince Albert was given two sculptures by Euclid Gareau, a teacher and well-known sculptor from the little French town of Bellevue where our Sisters have taught school since the year 1953. Along with the two pieces, carved in butternut wood, were attached "Reflections or Meditations" pertaining to the symbolism of the different features... i.e. texture, chiseled - out areas etc..

Following is the significance the sculptor has assigned to some of the characteristics of his work in these two Unique Sculptures:

The Christ figure (slightly smaller that Mary) is in three parts, representing the Trinity.

- the space between these parts would invite us to penetrate into the unattainable.

- the crown of thorns... Jesus sacrificed his life out of love for humanity

- the more realistic traits (to our left) symbolize the concrete , the physical body of Christ

whereas to the right, which is more fluid... stylized... we are reminded that He was "immaterial" and "not limited by physical form"... having both a human and divine nature.

- facing the sculpture (to our right) Jesus has a serene, serious and benevolent look that seems to be searching someone, while seen from the left (our right) one perceives a gentle and inviting glance.

The Mary figure ... head slightly inclined... gesture of humility

- a woman filled with kindness, emotion, human instinct and aspirations... human like all mothers.

- she holds her hand out to the Precious One she conceived, fed and protected and that she allowed to develop little by little so that he could realize his mission on earth.