Alden Cole and DoN attended the dedication ceremony to the new mural at 17th and Snyder in South Philly.  As soon as the choir began to sing DoN‘s eyes filled with tears – the mural was eight years in the making and the joy the congregation expressed at having such a beautiful artwork depicting parishioners, clergy and symbolic members of formerly incarcerated people being re-introduced and welcomed into society was beatific.  Designed by artist Jonathan Laidacker, the work was painted by a rotating team of Philadelphia prison system detainees.  The Mural Arts Program works with five different prisons housing more than ten thousand prisoners; the art provides a sence of purpose and helps with reintroduction into the community.  Father D was so eloquent and thankful for the final installation of the work based on Raphael’s School of Athens.

The choir of the Church of Philadelphia performing before the new mural @17th and Snyder.

Father D speaking before his own likeness in the mural by Jon Laidacker.

Mural detail (these two are in the choir, Jon truly captured them in the mural).  

Jane Golden of Mural Arts Program speaking at the dedication.

Jonathan Laidacker speaking at the dedication ceremony for the mural he designed for Yhe Church of Philadelphia @ 17th and Snyder Ave in South Philly.  Yo!!! 

Jon included an excellent self-portrait in the mural – handsome!