A brand new icon mosaic has taken pride of place in the east end of St Paul’s Church in Bedford, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child in the loving relationship shown by the Sisters of St Etheldreda.
The mosaic has been created to remember the St Etheldreda care home that closed on Bromham Road in 1984. The care home provided a Sunday school, night schools, guilds, meetings and an orphanage for children.
Being within the Parish of St Paul, the Sisters and the children enjoyed a mutually happy and important relationship with its clergy.
Therefore, it is fitting that the mosaic should be installed in its gardens, outside the building where it can be enjoyed at all times, recalling the Sisters’ legacy of love, compassion, understanding and outreach to the community.
At 91 years old, Sister Hazel is the last surviving of the three Sisters who ran the Home until its closure and is still a focus for many who seek her wisdom and friendship at her base in Willen, near Milton Keynes.
The mosaic, created by James Blackstone of St Dunstan Icons, is formed of tiny tesserae or glass beads from Venice and the whole composition makes a profound and unique work of art with its rich colouring that draws the eye of anyone passing by.
The lettering on the mosaic is the contracted form of the Greek “Meter Theou”, which translates to ‘Mother of God’.
The intention is that people walking through the churchyard will find a greater sense of peace as they come across the mosaic half hidden behind rosemary.
“I often walk through here because it is so peaceful”, said a young woman who happened to see the mosaic as it was being installed by James recently.
A spokesperson for the mosaic said: “It is precisely for such people that the mosaic has been created in a special, quiet place for remembrance, reflection and thanksgiving.”
The Bishop of Bedford is to dedicate the icon mosaic on Sunday 15 June at 4pm, with everyone welcome to attend.
