WINTER HAVEN | When St. Matthew Parish in Winter Haven commissioned artist Paul O’Neill to paint a mural of saints, the artist didn’t expect the overwhelming response from the community.

The mural is now making waves and prompting prayer, reflection, and joy.

O’Neill completed the mural in just three weeks, but Father Nicholas O’Brien and the St. Matthew staff dreamt of it for years. They decided the art belonged on the side of the parish thrift store to reach the most people.

The 9,000-square-foot store is located along Central Avenue in Winter Haven in the original Publix location built in 1930. People from other faiths come for the Christian greeting cards and religious gifts. The store also helps Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul to assist families in need.

“Downtown is the main place where we evangelize because most people, many fallen away Catholics and people of no faith will not come to parish grounds,” explained Susan Simonson, operations manager. “We feel like this (St. Matthew’s Thrift and Gift Store) is our main point of evangelization.”

About two years ago, Simonson began following local artists on Instagram, waiting for the right one to surface. When O’Neill began posting his painted images of saints, she immediately showed Father O’Brien. They found their artist.

When they spoke, O’Neill admitted he was thinking about a similar mural but wondered, “Who would want it?”

Simonson told O’Neill, “We want to make a statement and be bold in our faith because it’s needed at this time in our world. We felt like this was the right time.” As if by design, the parish also received a donation to cover the cost of the mural. With all the pieces in place, O’Neill got to work. He painted for three straight weeks in September.

St. Matthew’s set up a surveillance camera to keep the mural safe from vandals and to keep an eye on O’Neill’s high lift. One evening three young men pulled up and took photos. Then one stood in front of Jesus, made the sign of the cross and started praying.

Another woman and her granddaughter took photos in front of Mary. Dozens of people began calling the parish. One caller shared she was driving down Central Avenue when her young son told her to turn around quickly for a closer look.

“It’s just incredible. It’s so beautiful,” the woman said. She was so excited her son spotted the mural and stopped her.

The photographer in the studio across the street patiently watched as the mural unfolded and congratulated parish staff. “It was a bold move. Good for you,” he told them.

One day a young man in his 20s stopped to inquire who commissioned the mural. He attends the Baptist Church. “I’ve been passing this every day since you started this. I go to a bible study group at the coffee shop and I’m just amazed. I wanted to tell you how much it affects me. I’m so excited that you did this,” he said.

So many people walked into the store and asked about the saints, anxious to learn more. One young woman even asked how to become a saint! A new brochure will be printed to give to curious onlookers and the parish website has a new page sharing the stories of each saint.

“We hope this mural does give people hope and something to remind them of their faith if they are fallen away,” Simonson said. “We tried to span the ages from Blessed Carlo Acutis all the way to Mother Teresa for people to recognize the saints are people just like us. We can all strive to sainthood.”

Although raised in the Catholic faith and even married at St. Matthew’s, O’Neill admits he fell away until several years ago. Drawing the saints was part of that journey.

“This mural is my interpretation of Orthodox icons,” O’Neill said. “It’s my way of trying to propel myself and others closer to God and closer to aiming up in our own lives. When I was creating it, many times people would stop and talk or just beep their horn and wave as they went by… This mural was an act of reminding people of their faith, reigniting their faith, thinking more about their faith or maybe even thinking about their own lives — acting like Christ in their daily activities.”

O’Neill said the piece forced him to reflect as well, “how to become a better person, a better father, a better husband.”

Father O’Brien is thrilled with the mural’s effects. “The Mural of Saints is a vibrant extension of our Mary, Queen of all Saints Chapel here at the church, now reaching into the heart of downtown Winter Haven,” he said. “This mural is not just a piece of art, but a profound reminder and inspiration drawn from the lives of the saints who guide us on our spiritual journey.”

Included in the mural are Saint Rita, known as the “Saint of the Impossible.” There is also Blessed Carlo Acutis, whom Father O’Brien described as “an upcoming beacon of inspiration for the youth, soon to be the first millennial saint.”

He prays the mural is much more than an attraction, but rather an inspirational call to holiness through the intercession of the saints. “We are reminded that becoming a saint is a lifelong journey, one that is meant to be shared in community and faith,” explained Father O’Brien. “Let this mural be your companion along that path, encouraging you to strive for holiness every day.

Click here for a promotional video.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, October 24, 2024