A Way Station of Wonder, A Haven of Hope | The Chapel
Before coming to Valpo, the words “In Luce Tua Videmus Lucem” most likely would have been lost in translation – literally – for those of us who don’t speak Latin (so…most of us). Since coming to Valpo, however, you may now know those words to mean “In Thy Light We See Light.” For the curious among us, our University motto probably provoked some questions. For starters, who is “thy” referring to and what does the “light” in reference signify?
Our very own Pastor James “Jim” Wetzstein M.Div., has an answer, one that has taken shape within the last 18 months of his 20 years at Valpo but has been embodied by the Valpo community long before.
“When I first came to Valpo, I assumed the University motto was about intellectual enlightenment, however, I believe the psalm from which our motto is derived speaks more to the immeasurable depth of divine love rather than truth. I have come to believe that the light referred to is not a metaphor for knowledge but a metaphor for love,” he shares.
Pastor Kate Museus, M.Div. adds, “There is certainly knowledge and wisdom and truth in love, but love is not reducible to our knowledge and truth claims, even in our own imperfect efforts to be loving.”
An interesting interpretation, for sure. I wonder if Pastor Jim and Pastor Kate are onto something.
As I step inside the Chapel of the Resurrection to contemplate this radical reframing of a motto I, too, long interpreted to refer to knowledge, I look to the east and what do I see? The magnificent stained glass windows set behind the beautiful Christus Rex sculpture and black marble altar.
Although both are artistic gems seemingly hidden in plain sight, I refrain from admiring them for a moment and keep my gaze set on the windows. Panning each pane from top to bottom, then left to right, I look closely and recognize familiar symbols, shapes, and patterns telling a story that I’ve heard before. You most likely have, too. If not in Sunday school as a child, maybe you’ve seen this narrative play out in your theology class or something similar in one of the countless artistic cultural expressions throughout history. The narrative I’m referring to, of course, is the creation story. The Chapel’s Munderloh Windows, created by Peter Dohmen Studios, are a visual hymn to the Trinity. The three sections speak to the creative work of God the Father, the redemptive work of God the Son, and the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying gifts, yet they all tell a story that seems to transcend any faith tradition. They seem to tell a story of divine love.
I think I am beginning to see it now, Pastor Jim. Some more light would be helpful, though. As I think this, the sun begins to rise and shine through the windows, casting a warm glow on my face. The sunrise not only directs my attention to the sermon of color before me but the unique direction from which the light comes also carries with it a brilliant metaphor. The east is traditionally associated with the rising sun, symbolizing faithfulness and truth. The orientation of the Chapel to the east allowing the morning sunlight to flood through the windows speaks to the faithful and true nature of divine love, coming to each of us every day without fail and without measure, providing spiritual warmth and enlightenment to all who gather within.
But is this divine love reserved only for those who gather within the walls of the Chapel or identify with the University’s long-standing faith tradition?
Carolina Bowen ’24 sheds some light on the matter in her senior reflection. As she describes her journey, she recalls it beginning with an enchanting visit to the Chapel during Lutheran Summer Music. Over the years, the Chapel became a landmark in her life, grounding her during times of questioning and growth. Yet, she acknowledges that not everyone shares her experience. The imperfect church on earth often falls short, leaving some feeling excluded. But at Valpo, the work of justice and love extends beyond the Chapel, into late-night conversations with friends who are struggling, student-led organizations rallying around meaningful causes, and supportive faculty who take the time to listen and encourage — an everyday embodiment of the divine love that flows down and out, as our very own Brian Beckstrom, M.Div., assistant vice president for mission, church, and ministry, often describes.
Reverend O.P. Kretzmann, STM, another revered figure in our Valpo community, once referred to the Chapel as a way station — a place where travelers on their journey of discovery are nurtured and prepared for whatever lies ahead. It is here, within the Chapel’s embrace, that we are reminded to look up, awestruck in the beauty that is all around us, find strength in our community to rise above our circumstances, and press on.
It is a sacred space where people gather in times of need, celebration, and reflection. It is within these walls that our community has found strength and hope during the darkest of times, such as the collective grief and uncertainty of September 11, where students of all ethnic, faith, and cultural backgrounds instinctively gathered in the Chapel, and the deep sorrow of commemorating the life of one of our international students just last year. In moments of joy, we have also come together to worship and celebrate, lifting our voices in harmony to remind ourselves of the beauty that surrounds us, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Chapel is often referred to as the heart of Valpo’s campus. It’s a place where we are reminded of our humanity, divinity, and belovedness, the very life-giving force that allows us to flow out into the world to reflect God’s light in tangible ways.
The design of the Chapel itself reflects this mission. As you enter, your focus is directed toward the chancel, the Christus Rex sculpture, and the altar, all symbols of faith and community. But as you leave, you notice the windows on the sides of the nave, previously hidden from view. These windows, now bursting with light from outside, remind us that our path out into the world is brighter and more expansive than the one we took inward — the very essence of what it means to be a Beacon.
So, as you leave the Chapel and step back into the world, remember the light and love you found within its walls. Let it guide you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. And know that you are not alone on this journey; God and the Valpo community are with you, supporting you, celebrating with you, and working alongside you to make the world a brighter, more loving place.
In the words of our University motto, “In Luce Tua Videmus Lucem.” Or, as Pastor Jim might say, “In thy love we love.”
Even if you haven’t thought deeply about our University’s motto until now, hopefully, this sparks your curiosity and fans the flame that lies deep within the hearts and minds of each of us — the flame of wonder.
And as you begin to wonder, why not wander around the Chapel and discover all the historic and artistic gems hidden in plain sight? Each element of the Chapel tells a story of its own. The Christian Scholar Mosaic near the west entrance, the Brandt Campanile with its 12-bell chime, the intimate Gloria Christi Chapel below the chancel, and the Resurrection Labyrinth on the lawn are all waiting to be explored. Take a self-guided tour today and reflect on your own journey of faith, wonder, and discovery along the way.
Written by Jordan Embry ’19
