Spring 2012 - Lourdes College

In 2011, Sr. Jane MarySorosiak, OSF, formerArt Professor, spent agood portion of hertime making the first muralfor the newly named LourdesUniversity. Located on the southwall of the dining hall, shecreated an image from John’sGospel wherein Jesus feeds themultitudes.“I wanted to depictSt. John’s version,” offersSr. Jane Mary. “The incidentis related in each of theGospels but only Johnmentions the young boywho offers his five loavesand two fish.”The only other outdoor muralthat depicts Jesus on campusgrounds is located on the farside of the Franciscan Centertheatre, a 40-foot figure in agesture of blessing. “Dr. Helmersuggested the theme of Jesusfeeding the multitudes which Ithought very appropriate for adining hall,” adds Sr. Jane Mary.The colors were chosen tocomplement the terra cottaroof tiles and the surroundinglandscape. As Sr. Jane Marynotes, “Blues and greens werefavorite colors ofMother Adelaide.” Followinga medieval technique ofcombining many scenes in one,she compartmentalized themultitude reclining in groups,the two fish, the loaves and onthe right side of Jesus, symbolsof the Eucharist, of which thescene is a prototype.“The mural is now one of myfavorites,” adds Sr. Jane Mary. “I’mgrateful for the opportunity tocreate it through the generosityof the Lourdes Universityadministration team.” UATLOURDES MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 11