May 15, 2008

Artwork Reflects Mission of Bishop Byrne Middle, High School

At Bishop Byrne Middle and High School, clarification of the school's vision and mission is an ongoing process. In 2003, the mission statement was updated to ensure that it reflects the four characteristics of Dominican Education: contemplation, study, virtue and action. In 2004, to facilitate mastery of the mission and to institutionalize the vision, a new school song was adopted. The lyrics and music, by the dean of mission, Sister Mary Brigid Burnham, O.P. (2004-2007), reflects the spirit of the school and the 100 year commitment of the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation who staffed St. Thomas Academy, the Heritage School of Bishop Byrne. The Sisters have also staffed Bishop Byrne since its founding in 1965.

In 2006, in an effort to ensure that reminders of the mission and the school's three Patron Saints are visible in the facility, Sister suggested that framed prints representing St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Cecilia be strategically appointed throughout the building. Laminated pictures were already displayed in each classroom.

The question was, "Where could we get the prints?" and secondarily, "Where and how would they be displayed?" After discussing the project with director of technology, José Garcia, a plan was developed. Mr. Garcia spoke with his mother, Elisabete de Paula, who owns a printing company in New Jersey. She agreed to reproduce prints from the stained glass windows of Saint Cecilia Chapel in Nashville-TN, frame, and donate them to the school. Shortly thereafter, the prints were received and the current Dean of Mission, Sister Francine Bauser, O.P. and the school secretary, Mrs. Hughes determined the perfect place for display: on the east wall of the grand lobby (the commons).

Hanging of the prints was carefully supervised by Sister Francine and Mrs. Hughes. Placement of the art works was designed to complement the Sister Marie Vianney Hamilton Gallery and the arboretum. After installation of the prints, Mr. Garcia suggested that panels should be purchased and installed on the six tall windows at the entry of the grand lobby (the commons). To the surprise of the Dr. Donald Edwards, principal of Bishop Byrne, Mr. Garcia's mother had already agreed to donate the artwork.

It took approximately four months for Mr. Garcia, assisted by students in his computer assembly class, to install the huge, nine-foot panels.

Shortly after the installation, facing the "Windows of Faith" portraying the Patrons of Bishop Byrne, while praying with a small group of students, Dr. Edwards concluded, as all prayers in the school conclude, "Good St. Dominic, pray for us. St. Cecilia, pray for us. St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us."