Father Joseph Nguyen, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grand Prairie, poses with first-graders from Immaculate Conception Catholic School after he blessed a mural depicting the school’s patroness saint on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. (Courtesy photo)
Special to The Texas Catholic
In observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, students at one Catholic school had a special way to celebrate their patroness saint this year — the blessing of a new mural at the school’s main entrance.
The mural, a depiction of the Immaculate Conception, was painted by local artist Juan Velazquez over a two-day period in August at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Grand Prairie. Parishioners from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church then came together and paid to have the accompanying porch epoxy painted to compliment the new mural.
“We had been looking for a couple of years for a way to help make the entrance to our school more inviting,” said Heather Williams, development director at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. “This year, we were able to make it happen.”
On Dec. 8, Father Joseph Nguyen, pastor of Immaculate Conception, was joined by first-graders from the parish school as he blessed the mural.
Linda Santos, principal of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, praised Velazquez’s artwork and called the mural a true blessing.
“We are elated to have our patron saint front and center as you approach our doors,” Santos said. “She is a constant reminder to our mission: to educate the whole child’s intellect and vibrant soul formation. This image is so special to us.”
