The Tree of Life Rood at the Oratory of St. Mary Magdalen in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Encompassed within the parish of St. Vincent de Paul in Fort Wayne, Indiana is the Oratory of St. Mary Magdelen, a work involving long time LAJ collaborator William Heyer and others. Heyer describes the project as follows:

Much of the interior design was inspired by the pastor and his resources including early designs by Thomas Gordon Smith (deceased). The 40 Bible of the Poor wood cuts that showcase the life of Christ and Old Testament foreshadowings of Christ are incorporated into a custom wood wainscoting designed by Mr. Heyer. We likewise designed a pinwheel tile pattern in the central aisle tile floor to fit 55 apple tiles (a portion of the 150 apples depicted throughout the Oratory)

Heyer notes the woodworking was executed by Te Deum LLC of Laotta, Indiana.

This particular oratory functions as a chapel for Eucharistic adoration and it contains within it a rather unique rood beam. By way of background, a rood beam (as distinct from a rood screen) is the horizontal beam upon which the "rood" (i.e. cross) stands. Sometimes, a screen is also attached below this beam, thus creating the rood screen which most tend to think of when they hear the term 'rood'  but that is not always the case.

The typical -- perhaps we can say "classic" -- arrangement for these involves a crucifixion scene showing Christ crucified upon the cross and often (but not always) we will also see Our Lady and St. John to either side, thereby forming the classic depiction of Golgotha.  Sometimes these depictions were more elaborate, however, as for example in this thirteenth century rood that can be found in the Öja Church in Gotland, Sweden. It includes the core elements we mentioned, but around the cross is a circular scene depicting the fall of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden :

This example from Sweden was purposefully chosen for consideration because of its inclusion of the 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil" which was found in the Garden of Eden along with the "Tree of (Eternal) Life" -- both of which are mentioned in the Book of Genesis.  As the associated passage in sacred scripture tells us, Adam and Eve were told they could eat from the fruit of any tree within the garden, including the Tree of Life, but not the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Well, we know how the rest of that particular story goes. Adam and Eve eat from it despite God's prohibition, ultimately resulting in them being banished from the Garden of Eden and thus they also are forbidden from eating from the Tree of Life. In short, Adam and, by association, his ancestors fell, becoming subject to sin and to death.  

However, the story does not end there, because, as we know, it is through Christ and his Sacrifice on the "tree" of the Cross that the gates of eternal life are once again re-opened to mankind  In the Preface of the Holy Cross, we see this reference and association with to the Tree of Life:

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: Who didst establish the salvation of mankind on the tree of the Cross: that whence death came, thence also life might arise again, and that he, who overcame by the tree, by the tree also might be overcome...

All of this is by way of background for understanding why this particular rood includes an image of Christ crucified upon a tree, however it is worth noting that this is not a novel concept. Such depictions can be found throughout the Christendom, perhaps one of the most famous being that found in the refectory of Santa Croce in Florence, albeit in a far more highly stylized form:

In the case of the oratory of St. Mary Magdalen, we find Christ, crucified on a literal tree, replete with apples, surrounded on either side by Our Lady and St. John, and we can see various texts coming in association with this depiction which help to provide the various layers of meanings intended here.

However, the primary meaning surely must be that which was referenced in the liturgical text, associating the Cross of Christ and the Tree of Life.  This, combined with some of the other aspects of the design of the oratory, result in a very striking liturgical space. 

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