Diocese of Covington - Messenger at 402 E. 21st Street, Covington, KY 41015 US - St. Paul art coincides with Jubilee Year

The Baptism of Christ, the first of 11 windows to be installed at St. Paul Church, Florence.

St. Paul Church, Florence, is getting a facelift. The first of 11 stained glass windows was recently installed in the church. This first window depicts the Baptism of Christ, the first of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The other luminous mysteries — the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration and the Institution of the Eucharist — will be added over the course of the year as well as a window dedicated to the Blessed Mother and another to St. Paul.

While it wasn’t a part of the plans, it certainly doesn’t hurt that this time of renovation is taking place during the Jubilee Year of St. Paul, June 29, 2008–June 29, 2009. Pope Benedict XVI announced the year-long observation during first vespers on the saint’s feast day in 2007 because “... today too Christ needs apostles ready to sacrifice themselves.” The jubilee year is a time for study and reflection on the life and teachings of St. Paul. The year celebrates the 2000th anniversary of St. Paul’s birth.

“Visitors are always welcomed at St. Paul Church, especially in this Jubilee Year,” writes Msgr. Thomas Sacksteder, pastor. “Attending Mass or participating in our weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and communal rosary will provide everyone an opportunity to gain an indulgence and special blessings during this Pauline Year.”

The parish has planned observances for the jubilee year. Their organist, Steve Mason, presented the people of the parish a new Mass entitled, “St. Paul of Tarsus.” This is now part of the Sunday liturgies, with a novena prayer also available.

Also throughout the year adult religious education at the parish will focus on the life of St. Paul. An eight-week Bible study, "Paul, Missionary to the Gentiles,” will be offered on Tuesdays starting Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.; and a six-week study "St. Paul Jubilee Year of the Apostle Paul, " by Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J. will start Nov. 4.

Msgr. Sacksteder commissioned a painting of St. Paul, which is now in the church sacristy and will be enthroned in the sanctuary. It was painted by Kansas City artist Jason Jenicke. Mr. Jenicke said it was painted with the northern baroque time period in mind.

“I try to capture a life-like feel to the artwork. I do as much research as I can to capture a more historical and cultural feel to my artwork,” he said.

While other religious artists depict their subject or events within their own time period. Mr. Jenicke attempts to portray the subject in his/her own time period.

“I study the Church subject or event, take that information to quiet time in prayer — especially the rosary and at Mass as part of my offering. I try to submerge myself into the actual event in that time period,” he said.

For more information about the stained glass windows or events at St. Paul Church visit www.saintpaulflorence.com.

If your parish or school has an upcoming event celebrating the Jubilee Year of St. Paul, let us know by sending an email to messenger@covingtondiocese.org. Photos of past events can also be sent.

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