Select the image to view it in full. · © Sonhee Lim
Sonhee Lim · Sacred art
St. Stephen
A gaze of mercy
St. Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto
Stephen looks directly at us with mercy. His gaze invites us to follow Christ through service, forgiveness, and faithful witness.
Within the painting
Stones held to the heart
Stephen embraces the stones of his martyrdom. Held together with a palm branch, they speak of a love stronger than death.
The Gospel and dalmatic
The Bible recalls his proclamation of the Gospel. His vestment is based on a dalmatic from St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, connecting him with the deacons of the Archdiocese of Toronto.
A blue heaven
The blue background recalls the heaven Stephen saw open before his death. It also evokes the water flowing from Christ’s pierced side.
Eyes of forgiveness
Inspired by the Divine Mercy image, his eyes express the forgiveness of those who persecuted him. His gaze meets ours and invites us to imitate Christ.
An invitation to reflect
Created for the Diaconate Class of 2022 as a gift to St. Augustine’s Seminary, this work grew out of prayer and meditation on Scripture. Its image has also been used for St. Stephen’s Chapel in Toronto.