St Patrick’s pupils enjoy the protection of angels

By Paul Dunlop
ANGELS are watching over Pakenham.
Two ‘guardian spirit’ sculptures were last week installed at the front of the new St Patrick’s parish centre and primary school administration wing.
Local artist Anthony Russo created the sculptures standing guard at the entrance to the complex which is part of a major refurbishment of the Catholic school and church buildings.
St Patrick’s Primary School principal Mick O’Brien said the sculptures could be clearly seen from the Princes Highway, which runs past the school.
“Their huge wings offer protection, on each side of the entrance, for all that will happen within,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The idea of the angels caring and watching over us is prominent. The concept of being carried or helped along by the wings is suggested.”
Cranes were used to lift the angels on to the two walls of the new complex.
The sculptures are mounted on stone ziggurat plinths and are made of bronze and stainless steel.
Mr Russo said the symbolism of the angels was “somewhere between the ethereal and the physical worlds”.
Mr O’Brien explained that the artwork was the second of four major sculptures which were planned as part of the St Patrick’s rebuilding project.
“At the rear of the building is the grand colonnade, formed from stone columns supporting a rusted steel ring on which is inscribed the words of John’s gospel ‘May they be one Father, as you are in me and I am in you’.