Sacred Art at Lourdes

Holy Spirit  Wall Mural 
Nicholas Markell, iconographer
2014
Acrylic Gouache
144 x 144 inches



Behold the Lamb of God  Wall Mural 
Nicholas Markell, iconographer
2017
Acrylic Gouache
132 x 90 inches

Strictly speaking, a liturgical icon is transportable, so this original art is more an iconic mural. Created for the 140th anniversary of the parish, this art both honors the parish’s French heritage as well as offers a paschal centered image of meditation and inspiration to the worshipping assembly.At the center is Christ as the Lamb of God from the Book of Revelation. Behind the Lamb is St. John the Baptist, the saint typically depicted in some way in historical French Canadian Catholic churches. On either side are St. Francis, a popular saint and patron of ecology, and St. Therese of Lisieux, a beloved French saint.  Behind all is St. Anthony Falls, named by Fr. Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan priest and missionary to the region in the 17th century.



Saint Cecilia 
Nicholas Markell, iconographer
2022

The newest addition to our collection of Sacred Art. Blessed by pastor Fr. D. Griffith on Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022. The icon represents St. Cecilia, patroness of music and musicians and is displayed with the Strangis Memorial Pipe Organ. From our Director of Sacred Liturgy and Music, N. Millner: "St. Cecilia is known as the patron saint of musicians because at her wedding, her heart sang only for God. Due to the significant role of the pipe organ in Christian worship, from the 14th century onward, she is most often depicted at the organ. Thus, it is a wonderful honor that our spectacular organ is blessed with such a beautiful icon of her that will forever invoke her intercession. May the music played by this instrument always be only for the glory of God!"



The Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John  Wall Mural
Nicholas Markell, iconographer, 2022

The "four living beings" are referenced both in Ezekiel and in Revelation and are ancient Christian symbols for the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew is the winged man, or an angel, because his Gospel brings out the humanity of Christ. Mark is depicted as the lion because of his Gospel's focus on the majesty of Christ, and the lion is known as the king of beasts. Luke is depicted as an ox, due to the sacrificial nature of Christ that is highlighted in his Goepsl, and the ox was the main sacrificial animal in the Jewish and Roman traditions. Finally, John is associated with the eagle because of his focus on the Incarnation of Christ coming down from heaven, and the flight of the eagle carries that symbol. Also, eagles are known for their keen sight, which has been linked with John's vision of Revelation.



St. Joan of Arc
Nicholas Markell, iconographer
2014
Egg Tempera
24 x 32 inches



St. Teresa of Calcutta
Nicholas Markell, iconographer
Egg Tempera
24 x 32 inches