The cross and crucifix motivate Catholic convert to carve his faith

IC photo by Laura V. Sausedo

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Artist Rich Horrel, a convert to Catholicism, displays a crucifix he has carved.

SALT LAKE CITY - During the Holy Days countless Catholics around the world will venerate the cross - and again will be reminded of the powerful place this instrument of death holds not only in Catholic culture but over their imagination.

Rich Horrel, who was baptized in the Catholic Church 11 years ago, always has had the Cross of Christ present in his life.

"The Cross is the evangelization tool that we as Catholics must use with when dialoguing with those who do not understand our faith," Horrel said. "It holds the key to conversion."

An artist, Horrel creates handmade crosses with the wood from the Logan area. Among his creations are representations of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, original crucifixes and Utah mission crosses as well as some crosses made from Bethlehem olive wood. His patron for 11 years has been Bob Stephan, the husband of Margarete Stephan, who sponsored Horrel in the CCD program.

"They are really, really beautiful," said Matt Bartley about Horrel's crosses.

Another admirer of Horrel's work is Louise Griffiths-Johnson. "My husband passed away in June, and I have a good strong look to the cemetery and there was hardly any crosses," she said. "It really is something that others don't believe in."

To pick the wood that he uses, Horrel first asks permission from the park rangers to take fallen limbs. Once he receives permission, "I go up there and pick them. Most of it is oak; the wood is beautiful."

Each item he handcrafts is unique. For example, the Sisters of the Holy Crosses are all resin and hand-painted by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. All proceeds from these go to help support the Sisters as well as a Utah mission.

Having the essence of the cross present in every day is important, Horrel said. "When you look at it, we all should be thinking of the forgiveness and reconciliation... My God died for me," he said.

The cross also is useful for evangelization, he said. "If you don't know a lot about your faith, you just have to see it. It is just right there. I want people to say ‘Why we don't have the cross?'"

He recently attended an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) class and received a revelation, wondering if people, seeing Jesus walking to his death, will help him when he falls down under the weight of the cross. Horrel has envisioned everyone together under the Cross, focusing on Jesus.

"One should never give up on life or on another, as this life here is too precious a gift," Horrel said. "Christ and his Church is truly the treasure found."

To see the work of Rich Horrel go to ChooseYourCross.com.