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The Franciscan Friary Mural

The banner image is a detail taken from the Franciscan Friary mural. It shows St. Francis sharing a moment with two friars - one on each side. One appears to be listening intently, the other has fallen asleep. Perhaps a reflection of the teaching and learning experience? The detail is part of a much larger work currently installed in the Sopchyshyn Library. It measures 13 feet by 10 feet, and weighs close to two tons. The work is dated 1976.

The mural was created by the prominent Canadian painter and ceramicist Josephine Lorraine Malach (1933-2003). It took seven months to complete, and shows the interrelationship between God in heaven, people as a whole, and creation. It features, trees, flowers, angels, doves, and the representative Franciscan friars. At the bottom is a cross inscribed with the words peace, joy and love. People often comment about the use of eyeless figures! However, this was simply done for artistic effect.

Originally, the mural was installed in the chapel of the former Franciscan Friary, then located in east Edmonton. When the new college was under construction in 2010-2011, the hope was to move the mural to the new location. However, given the fixed nature of its installation at the friary, it was deemed immovable.

In 2019, using laser cutting tools, stained glass artist Bruno Enderlin cut the mural into six sections and moved it to the Sopchyshyn Family Library. Given the mural's age, the fragility of the material, and also the issues stemming from the original installation, the success of its disassembly, move, and reinstallation is nothing short of miraculous. Funding for the move was made possible by a donation from Ben Hochhausen. It was given in recognition of the contribution made by the Franciscan Friars of Canada and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to the mission of Newman Theological College.

The librarian created a short video image collage of this remarkable work.