Six ministries of diocesan Catholic Charities will have new artwork this fall that inspires their work serving others.
The diocesan Golden Jubilee Committee commissioned the art by local Catholic artists for the Jubilee’s 2023 series of Marian music and art exhibit events highlighting six Catholic Charities ministries. The paintings will be permanently featured at Catholic Charities offices. A series of installation events kicked off last week and runs through early November.
At the first event Sept. 19, “Our Lady of Refuge,” an oil painting by Rappahannock artist Henry Wingate portraying the Virgin Mother tenderly holding the Christ Child, was installed at the Alexandria office of Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services. MRS assists migrants, including parents whose love for and desire to protect their children has brought them from their native country to a new home in the United States.
Father Richard A. Miserendino, chaplain of the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg and co-chair of the Jubilee arts committee, attended the unveiling and blessed the painting. He said it shows the humanity of its subjects and reinforces to Catholic Charities’ clients and staff that those served are worthy of love and respect.
“By presenting this painting here in this ministry, help us to inspire those who come here with a spirit of welcome, a spirit of kindness, of family closeness and of a deep knowledge of your love,” Father Miserendino said in his prayer.
Stephen J. Carattini, president and CEO of diocesan Catholic Charities, and Jessica Estrada, director of newcomer services, unveiled the painting.
MRS’ Alexandria office serves refugees and others from around the world, including from Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Sudan and other African nations, and Central and South America. Several staff members were previously refugees or migrants from troubled regions.
“Many clients who come in are not of the Catholic tradition,” said Estrada. “When you look at this, it doesn’t matter what faith tradition you are, you can see the love that a mother has for a child. So many people we serve … have migrated for the sake of their children, for the sake of a better life for their family and have made a sacrifice to be able to have a better life.”
“This is a reminder of what it means to show love, and we know you’ve shown love by making a sacrifice for your family,” Estrada told MRS staff gathered. “In the Catholic faith tradition, this is the love that Mary showed for her son, and ultimately the love that he showed for us and the world, this is something we can share with everyone.”
More paintings will be installed this fall at the offices of Catholic Charities Family Reunification Services; Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic; St. Martin de Porres Senior Center; St. Margaret of Cortona Maternity and Transitional Housing for Women and Families; and Pregnancy and Adoption Support.
