The third-floor hallway of Graymoor’s St. Pius X building recently became brightened with a touch of God’s glory.
Adorned on each side of the corridor walls are the Trail of Glory oil paintings – an interpretation of the Gospel of John through beautiful artwork.
“It’s as if God opened a window,” said Linda Dyekman, Graymoor’s Major Gift Officer. “I’m sure when people come and have time to reflect, they’re going to love it. They’re going to be wonderfully surprised. It’s so moving; truly something of great meaning.”
Guests and benefactors are welcome to walk the hallway and experience the peace, love and life of Jesus through this unique exhibit.
The artwork depicts several parts of Jesus’ public life and ministry, including His raising of Lazarus; Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and the fish; Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman the well; the Last Supper; Jesus’ Crucifixion; and His resurrection, among many others. Placards are hung beside each painting, identifying Biblical figures featured in the paintings and telling the story illustrated in each artistic rendering.
The art was originally published in a spiral-bound book titled, Trail of Glory: A Pictorial History of Jesus Public Ministry. The source and artistic director of the book was Father John J. Gerhard, S.J., who during his life possessed a deep knowledge of the Gospel of John. Father Gerhard worked closely with Helen Owen, a self-taught artist, who helped bring the art to life.
The Trail of Glory paintings were accepted on behalf of Graymoor by Father Bob Warren, SA, from Tom Lamberti, Col. Mark Gaynor and Rudy Lohse – lifelong friends and classmates of Father Gerhard’s at Fordham University.
“This was a wonderful gift, unlike anything we have been given before,” Father Bob said. “The obvious devotion Father Gerhard and Helen Owen shared for Jesus’ life and John’s Gospel is really reflected in the collection. It’s a humbling experience that these generous people would entrust to us such an endowment.”
After they were donated to Graymoor, the paintings were first curated by James Dyekman, who has a background in art and architectural design. James devised a schematic for the third-floor hallway, and ensured correct spacing and lighting for each painting. He then worked with professional framer Adrian Alganaraz, who made certain each piece of art was placed in a lovely picture frame.
“It’s very inviting,” James said of the Trail of Glory exhibit. “I think it’ll be a neat place for people to walk and take a little visit.”
Trail of Glory at Graymoor
Third floor hallway, St. Pius X Building, Graymoor Benefactors attending Sponsor and Benefactor Appreciation Day on Thursday, September 7 at Graymoor are invited and encouraged to visit the Trail of Glory exhibit.
We ask all guests to please not touch the paintings