Essex: Students design new Paschal Candle

Year 9 student, Niamh Wright, with School Chaplain, Fr Lee Bennett and Paschal Candle

Students from New Hall School Art Department have designed a new Paschal Candle. School Chaplain, Fr Lee Bennett, approached the Art Department to design and produce this year's Candle, with the aim to incorporate a more personal touch and to reflect aspects of the New Hall Chapel and school community.

Mr Christopher Lonsdale, Art Teacher, worked closely with Year 9 student, Niamh Wright, who had been working with candles in her latest Year 9 module with the assistance of Miss Charlotte Davies, Art Technician.

The final candle design was chosen to incorporate aspects of the Chapel and the text from above the Chapel crucifix. 'He is Risen' felt appropriate for an Easter candle, to reflect the power of the Living God. The white dove, which is central to the Chapel ceiling design, was enlarged and framed in rays of gold, reflecting the promise of the Holy Spirit, given to his disciples by the resurrected Christ. The Alpha and Omega signs were merged together to represent that we are now living in the between days of the creation and the last judgement, yet as an inclusive multi-faith community in a Catholic school all are welcome to study, learn and to approach the Lord in His Church. The main colours of gold, red and blue were chosen to harmonise with the Chapel colours, the glory and splendour of God and also to incorporate the New Hall uniform and badge.

New Hall School is the largest Catholic independent boarding and day school in the UK.