The Story Behind St. Bede's New Mosaic

You might've spotted that new mosaic over the front entrance to , but did you know it was made in Rome?

The church's pastor, Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti, said the piece entitled "Jesus Blessing People'' was created in Italy by Paolo Monaldi, an artist experienced in making and repairing mosaics, according to a press release from St. Bede's.

It replicates a painting that hangs in the Church of the Holy Stairs in Rome. Tradition has it that these Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) were climbed by Jesus as he went to face Pontius Pilate before his crucifixion. Today, pilgrims from all over the world climb these same steps on their knees. Cacciapuoti pointed out that the mosaic shows Jesus blessing the pilgrims, as they reach the top, having completed the climb.

Since becoming pastor two years ago, the Italian-born pastor has been slowly modifying the previously Vatican Two-era building, built in 1962, into more of a Roman Catholic looking church.

“I feel honored to have Jesus blessing each of us as we enter our own church. It is a beautiful piece that will welcome visitors for many generations to come --long after we are gone and forgotten,'' Cacciapuoti said, adding that the mosaic took many months to create. 

Cacciapuoti, who sees the new art as a treasure for the city, welcomes everyone to come and view the new mosaic.