Infinite Love: The symbols of the candle for youth ministry

The symbol-rich artwork of the Candle Stand tells the story of God’s infinite love. Designed by a young creative artist, it has been adopted as the National Symbol for Catholic Youth Ministry in England and Wales, and was blessed by Pope Benedict during his visit to the UK in 2010. We hope that it will also serve as a beautiful “catechesis in miniature” inspiring reflection and prayer as each dimension of the artwork is considered.

Panel 1: Incarnation

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35 (NIV).

Mary conceives by the power of Holy Spirit and gives birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus comes into the world as a baby; from the very moment of conception all life is precious. Our mission to young people starts from the profound understanding that every person has God-given gifts, talents and identity to share with the world. Walking with young people, it is our work to help them to see who God calls them to be.

Symbols:

• Holy Spirit – Dove with a tongue of flame in its heart
• Mary – Umbilical cord, letter ‘M’
• Jesus – Unborn baby/Foetus
• People of God – Human figure receiving the Messiah

Panel 2: Salvation

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever - the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18 (NIV).

By the power of the Cross we are saved. The same Holy Spirit who breathed life on creation comes to humanity to give us power to be God’s witnesses. Understanding the triumph of resurrection over suffering and death is a critical insight for young people caught in personal suffering and tragedy. We proclaim a faith which does not deny suffering, or evade difficult questions, but which meets suffering with hope.

Symbols:

• Passion/Death: Crown of Thorns
• Resurrection: Empty Cross
• Holy Spirit/Pentecost: Tongue of flame coming down
• People of God: Human figure receiving the Holy Spirit

Panel 3: The Great Commissioning

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Many young people receive the Sacrament of Confirmation; this panel highlights that receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit is a commissioning to spread the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. It also highlights that Confirmation is in the context of other Sacraments and rooted in the traditions of Scripture and the Church.

Symbols:

• ICHTHUS, an early symbol of the Church – The Church
• Eucharist and Cross – Sacraments
• Church – Human Figure with a tongue of fire, embracing the symbols of the Church

Panel 4: Youth Ministry

“Again Jesus said, Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 (NIV).

Founded by God’s infinite love, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Church welcomes young people, encourages their God-given gifts and talents, and encourages them to use these gifts and talents to evangelise through prayer and action. CYMFed brings together Diocesan Youth Services, Movements, Organisations and Religious Congregations working with young people in a Catholic context.

Symbols:

• Church/People of God – Top human figure with a tongue of flame
• CYMFed Logo – Youth Ministry in England and Wales