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Rip Chosen by Diocese of Wichita for Major Project

WICHITA, Kan. (CNS) – The statues that will dominate the east and west transepts of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita are taking shape.

Sculptor Rip Caswell, who works from his studio in Troutdale, Ore., was commissioned to create two heroic-size bronze sculptures as part of the cathedral renovation project. The two sculptures, “Mary and Joseph” and “The Crucifixion” will face each other from the east and west alcoves of the cross-shaped cathedral. The statues are scheduled to be installed in late August or early September.

The first piece, “Mary and Joseph,” depicts a pregnant Mary with her hand on her womb and Joseph as a supportive father figure and husband standing behind her. Mary is looking across the cathedral to a scene of the Crucifixion.

“We’ve made some bold departures with this piece,” Caswell told The Catholic Advance, newspaper of the Wichita diocese.

Traditionally, Mary’s pregnancy was hidden or portrayed as barely showing, he said. Joseph has been characterized as older, benign and in the background. Caswell said he sees a wave moving in churches across the country now to tell the traditional stories, but with a new angle, with a fresh perspective.