Sisters' place of living water

Published: 22 February 2004

Admiring 'The Chalice of Living Water' at the chapel of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are (from left) Sr Yvonne Tobin, sculptor Dr Rhyl Hinwood, Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan of Brisbane, and the order's Australian superior general, Sr Philippa Barker

'THE Chalice of Living Water' is the title of a new sculpture outside the chapel of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan of Brisbane blessed the feature on February 1.

The sisters' Australian superior general, Sr Philippa Barker, said the work was commissioned by the sisters and created by Brisbane sculptor, Dr Rhyl Hinwood.

The chalice is made of Helidon freestone, and the two doves around it are sculptured in bronze.

Sr Barker said the symbol of the two doves perched on the rim of a chalice or other vessel was of great antiquity, and had deep resonances in many cultures.

The association with water in Christian iconography evoked the mystical symbolism of death, birth, and regeneration or purification through baptism. The dove was a Christian symbol of the Holy Spirit.