MURALIST — Miranda Wenzl, at right, a communication arts major from Norfolk, Neb., displays her finished mural in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Grotto. The mural complements the Rock Garden of Remembrance, created by the parish’s Grief Share group. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — A mural painted by Franciscan University of Steubenville student Miranda Wenzl now decorates the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church grotto in Wintersville.

Parishioner Nancy Teeters first approached Wenzl, a communication arts major from Norfolk, Neb., in September to make the space more inviting for grieving individuals. That started the process of getting people to donate supplies, gain permission and prepare the wall. The painting began Nov. 2 and was finished eight days later.

Wenzl received help with the project from parishioners Linda Freed, Nancy Teeters, Janice Harrison, Theresa “Dolly” Young, Sam Rotella and Don Heiss.

The mural depicts a sunlit stairway to heaven among clouds in a blue sky. It complements the Rock Garden of Remembrance, which was created by the parish’s GriefShare group.

“Grief Share is a healing ministry and also a big part of the motivation behind this project. Sometimes, weather permitting, they end their sessions at the Grotto, with a reflection of prayers and remembrance,” Freed explained.

The definition of “grotto” is a small picturesque cave, especially an artificial one in a park or garden.

“That’s what we have in the midst of our parish at Blessed Sacrament in Wintersville,” notes Freed. “It’s almost a hiding place, tucked away to enrich our souls with peace, prayer and healing. It’s a tranquil place to reflect and be with the Lord.”

The Grotto was built in 2003, donated by Neil and Madeline Bahen, a founding family of Blessed Sacrament Church. Since then, time and age had taken their toll on it “until, someone looked and heard a whisper in their heart to just start pulling weeds. Then someone said, ‘Can I help?’ Soon others came to water plants, washed Our Blessed Mother Mary statue, trimmed roses, brought mulch, power washed, trimmed hedges and donated light bulbs. Then an amazing and talented person painted the mural,” Freed noted.

For information about GriefShare, e-mail Theresa Young at blsollgriefshare@yahoo.com.

Also, every Wednesday at 7 p.m. a group meets in the church and when weather permits at the grotto to pray the Rosary.

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