By Gail Gustavson

Crosses, Bible verses, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Mass, daily Mass, prayer over the announcements—all part  of students’ daily lives at Notre Dame Academy.

Students are usually unsurprised when a statue of the Virgin Mary shows up in the hallway. But as with many things, signs and symbols that are repeatedly seen sometimes escape everyday notice.

For example, take the icon of Jesus that hangs on the wall on the center staircase. Ever seen it? Probably. Ever really looked at it? Most likely not.

 “It kinda scared me. I was just walking up the stairs, and there was Jesus,” commented Martin Radue, Student Body President.

Contrary to popular belief, this artwork is not there to scare or intimidate students while walking to their classes.

This painting, given the name ‘The Sacred Heart of Jesus,’ was done by DePere artist John Kitslaar (Sr.) in the early 1940s.

The meaning and background of this painting makes it more than a work of art. It is an icon to “look through in terms of our own life and faith,” as Sr. Laura Zelten, OSF, Campus Minister, describes it.

It hung in the basement chapel at St. Willebrord Church in downtown Green Bay. The Norbertine priests celebrated Mass at this location before crossing the street to teach at the Central Catholic High School, which is now the WBAY building.

This oil painting is not only a work of art. It is a piece of history from one of NDA’s founding schools. Central Catholic High school was a predecessor to Premontre High School, which was one of the three schools that combined to create the present-day Notre Dame de la Baie Academy.

 “It’s not art for art’s sake,” said Sr. Laura, “but a symbol of Christ the incarnate Lord and Savior.”

The symbols IC XC on the top corners of the painting are Greek symbols meaning Christ the King or Christ the Conqueror. They represent how Jesus conquered sin and death, Sr. Laura said.

Students and staff have varied opinions on the painting.

“I noticed the XC in the top corner and thought of Cross Country,” said senior McKayla Kratowicz.

“It’s not my favorite picture of Jesus because of the thin face… but that the painting is thought-provoking means it’s doing its job,” said English teacher Stefanie Jochman.

“It’s not comforting,” commented Courtney Nielsen, a senior.

The painting was donated by the John Kitslaar family for students and staff to appreciate a piece of history and an icon of Jesus.

The next time students are on their way to math class, they might want to take a look.