Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

When St. Matthew Parish in Winter Haven tasked artist Paul O’Neill with creating a mural of saints, the reaction from the community exceeded expectations. The artwork has become a focal point for prayer, reflection, and joy among locals.

Completed in three weeks, the mural was a long-held dream of Father Nicholas O’Brien and his team at St. Matthew. They strategically chose to place it on the side of their parish thrift store to maximize its visibility. This 9,000-square-foot store, located on Central Avenue in Winter Haven's original Publix building from 1930, attracts people from various faiths seeking Christian greeting cards and religious gifts. It also supports Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul in aiding families in need.

Susan Simonson, operations manager at St. Matthew’s Thrift and Gift Store, explained that "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." She emphasized that the store serves as their primary outreach location.

Simonson had been monitoring local artists on Instagram for two years before discovering O’Neill’s work featuring saints. She presented his art to Father O’Brien, marking him as their chosen artist for the mural. O’Neill had independently been contemplating a similar project but wondered about its potential audience.

"We want to make a statement and be bold in our faith because it’s needed at this time in our world," Simonson told O'Neill when discussing the project. A timely donation enabled them to proceed with funding for the mural.

As O’Neill painted over September's three weeks, surveillance cameras were installed to protect both him and his work from potential vandalism. Community interactions with the mural were numerous; some visitors took photos or prayed before it while others called the parish expressing admiration.

The photographer across the street observed its creation and commended parish staff: "It was a bold move. Good for you."

A Baptist church member who passed by daily expressed his appreciation: "I wanted to tell you how much it affects me."

Curiosity about the depicted saints grew among visitors to the store. To address this interest, new brochures are being printed, and an informative webpage has been added to the parish website.

Simonson hopes that "this mural does give people hope" and serves as a reminder of faith even for those who have drifted away from it.

O’Neill himself found personal reflection through creating this piece: “This mural is my interpretation of Orthodox icons...a way of trying to propel myself and others closer to God.”

Father O’Brien described it as “a vibrant extension” of their church chapel reaching downtown Winter Haven's core: “This mural is not just a piece of art but rather an inspirational call."

The saints featured include Saint Rita—known as "Saint of Impossible"—and Blessed Carlo Acutis whom Father O'Brien hailed as "an upcoming beacon" inspiring youth towards sainthood.

He prays that beyond being an attraction; it becomes “an inspirational call" urging holiness through saintly intercession reminding everyone that becoming saintly requires communal sharing along life’s journey.

By Glenda Meekins of Florida Catholic staff