About the Mural 

The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Mural Arts have worked to create a mural honoring the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and the historic visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia this September.

Inspired by the theme of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” the mural is titled The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21^st Century. The mural is installed on Saint Malachy School, an Independence Mission School, located in North Philadelphia.

Designed by muralist Cesar Viveros, the 4,239 square feet work of art is a lasting testament to the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Papal Visit. As Viveros shared in his artist’s statement, the mural is aimed at capturing the powerful impact of “relationship, interaction, constructivism, actions, inclusion, compassion, and every moment of life that gives us the opportunity to share who we are by living this mission of love.”  In accordance with his vision, Mr. Viveros’ mural, created from 153 individual panels, was installed across three sections of the Saint Malachy School’s facade.

The public was invited to help paint the mural through participation in a series of community paint days, co-sponsored by the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Mural Arts.

About World Meetings of Families

Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015).  Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.

Co-sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the World Meeting of Families is a triennial global event that seeks to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe and highlight its intrinsic value to the good of society.  The 2015 international gathering will be held in the United States for the first time ever and will welcome Pope Francis to the country for the first time in his Papacy.

Artist Statement 

I believe in the positive impact of public art when imprinting something intangible in the work that captures imagination and stirs emotions in the people involved. Through my public artwork, I want to experience new ways of expression fostering my artistic vision while deepening my connection with the community that merge into one picture – a giant collage of non-abstract subjects that come to life. Photo by Steve Weinik.