"Prayer for Peace" Featured at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Complementing Mass to Honor Veterans for Veterans Day
It was with the most profound respect that I shared “Prayer for Peace”, a mixed media work from the Fernandez collection, at my parish, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Bridgewater, NJ, for the occasion of the Mass to Honor Veterans on Sunday, November 8. This is the fifth of a series of pieces from the Fernandez collection that are being featured in the church, to complement Mass services for specific weekly celebrations.
“Prayer for Peace” is a mixed media artwork honoring the courage, sacrifice and service of veterans who have defended our nation and worked to preserve peace. The dramatic contrast between the fiery darkness of a war-torn landscape below and the luminous heavens above reflects the devastating cost of conflict and the enduring hope for a more peaceful world. Doves descend through the clouds as symbols of peace, freedom and the resilience of the human spirit, while angels stand watch as reminders of divine protection and guidance. The rosary serves as a symbol of faith, prayer and trust in God. “Prayer for Peace” is a tribute to all who have served, those who have given their lives in service to others, and the families who carry their sacrifices in their hearts. May we honor our veterans not only with gratitude, but also through continued prayer for the fallen, for those who bear the wounds of war, and for a world where peace, compassion and freedom can prevail.
In addition to this art piece, my mom and I were more than glad to contribute to the Table of Honor, a special display for the month through which parishioners and clergy can provide photos and other memorabilia of family and friends who served in the military. My mom and I included a photo of my Grandpa Mike (my Grandma E’s husband, and my mom’s father), who was involved in the army. We also set up a sign with a prayer for veterans, as well as flag decoration and a tablecloth.
As always, I am thankful to Fr. Rob for his willingness to arrange the art display in the nave, and his trust in my mom and I to install it independently in this sacred space; active fellow parishioner Alison Jandak for her feature of the work in the weekly parish newsletter; and my mom for her collaboration on the artwork during its creation, and her support with getting it to St. Martin’s.
To install “Prayer for Peace” for this special Mass, in recognition of our veterans and all who have served our nation to defend our freedom, was to humbly honor the immensely courageous individuals who have fought and sacrificed for the betterment of the greater good, in pursuit of an end to conflict and violence, and peace for all. I look forward to continuing to share additional work from the Fernandez collection as further celebrations arise. ✝️🖼️🪖🕊️🙏🏻
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