New Mural Masterpiece to be Unveiled at St. Petersburg Catholic High School Represents Lasting Tribute to a Beloved Priest
The mural, known as “Touchdown Mary,” has already garnered thousands of views on social media and is poised to become a landmark in the greater Tampa Bay area.
The mural, known as “Touchdown Mary,” has already garnered thousands of views on social media and is poised to become a landmark in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Bishop Gregory Parkes presided over a ceremony to dedicate, bless, and unveil the new "Touchdown Mary" mural created this summer by a team of mural artists on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Joseph W. Paul Stadium at St. Petersburg Catholic High School.
Bishop Gregory Parkes presided over a ceremony to dedicate, bless, and unveil the new "Touchdown Mary" mural created this summer by a team of mural artists on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Joseph W. Paul Stadium at St. Petersburg Catholic High School.
This monumental project was initially envisioned by the late Father Carl Melchior, the former school chaplain and an ardent football enthusiast who left his career with the Bucs to become a priest. It was his dream to create a local version of the iconic “Touchdown Jesus” on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Although Father Carl passed away unexpectedly in 2022, before realizing his dream, his vision lives on in the hearts of the St. Petersburg Catholic community.
The mural is 42 feet tall and depicts an image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Many Christians have a devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her immaculate heart represents a mother’s love for her children.
The mural can be seen from the stands of the school’s football stadium, and from various points in the surrounding neighborhood.
Under the guidance of President Ross Bubolz, the advancement team was tasked with bringing Fr. Carl’s dream to fruition. Bobby Yevich, the newly appointed Director of Advancement and proud St. Petersburg Catholic alumnus, enlisted the renowned, local mural artist Leon Bedore (TesOne), to bring the project to life. TesOne collaborated with Johnny Vitale of the Vitale Brothers, another prominent muralist team in the Tampa Bay area, under their joint venture, Up & Over. Their combined talents transformed Father Carl’s vision into the stunning “Touchdown Mary” mural.
About St. Petersburg Catholic High School:
St. Petersburg Catholic High School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school rooted in a firm foundation of Catholic faith, family, tradition, and excellence. As a diverse teaching and learning community, we are committed to forming young men and women in spirit, mind, and body for future leadership and compassionate service.
