The statue, by Canadian artist Farhad Nargol-O’Neil, is called Corpus et Spiritus. It is obviously more than an architectural decoration trying to fill a big empty space. It declares a very Catholic sense of Christian identity. But for the last year it has also been an extended lesson in what art is, does and means for six York Catholic District School Board high school students. (See the website Corpus et Spiritus)

O’Neil deputized six Grade 11 students to take on functions from curating and publicizing the art work to helping him shape and finish the metal.

“I gained so many things from the experience,” said Elizabeth Hwangbo of St. Elizabeth High School in Thornhill. Hwangbo was curator of the piece, responsible for producing a curatorial statement which would put the sculpture in its cultural, political, theological and historical context.

Hwangbo discovered in O’Neil’s sculpture an expression of religion that defies attempts by fundamentalists and culture warriors to harness faith for political ends.

“This politicization of religion has nothing to do with what we believe,” she told The Catholic Register a few days after the piece’s unveiling by Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins Dec. 4.

Hwangbo was impressed by how the sculpture could express basic truths about faith without turning into propaganda.

“At the end of the day, we have to express our faith,” she said.

Trying to find words to reflect what the statue already said in visual language was a challenge and a pleasure, she said.

“The best combination, I think, is art and English,” said Hwangbo.

O’Neil said he was impressed by Hwangbo’s ability to get to the heart of what he was doing in the sculpture.

“She nailed in a few sentences exactly what I was getting at,” he said.

Nailing it isn’t easy when the sculpture combines the apparently contradictory moments of Christ’s Passion and Pentecost.

“As Catholics, we’re only happy in a paradox,” O’Neil said.

Hwangbo is hoping to attend Queen’s University to study in its curatorial program.