Your Question: Can you explain the symbolism in the carvings on the "priest's chair" at St. Hedwig's?

There are several common symbols present in the elaborate carvings on the presider’s chair at St. Hedwig. First, you may notice what looks like an “A” and “W” on the back of the chair. It’s not an early sign for root beer. These are actually the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are often used to describe Christ Himself. Also, you’ll notice some peacocks on the back of the chair. These birds were used as early symbols of resurrection. I have seen it present in a Jewish context (some of the Jewish sects, such as the Pharisees, believe in resurrection). It was appropriated by the Christian Church as a symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the hope of our own resurrection as well. You’ll also notice that the arms of the chair are the heads of lions. Most likely, this refers to the title of Christ as the “Lion of Judah”—a title that has both Jewish and Christian uses. The Messiah is referred to as the Lion of Judah in the Revelation 5:5—the promised one from the line of David, of the tribe of Judah, who is the Messiah. The Lion is often used to symbolize Christ and Christ-figures, such as in C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia.”

You’ll also find loaves and fishes carved into the chair at St. Hedwig. These have many meanings in Christianity, and bring to mind the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes by Jesus, as well as the Eucharist, and the disciples who were fishermen and “fishers of men.” Also, the fish is a very early Christian symbol, and the word “fish” in Greek was an acronym used by the early Christians to identify themselves to one another.