Sacred Heart Mural Ribbon Cutting in Punta Gorda

After months of work by mural artists,  Fran Petrow and Maggie Ruiz, and many cups of latte and donuts supplied by well-wishers,  the artists along with Bob Armstrong, President of the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society , and Pastor Jerry Kaywell and Father Leo Riley of Sacred Heart Church cut the ribbon for the new "Churches of Sacred Heart" mural .

Bob Armstrong led off the cermony thanking the artists, the members of the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society, the Punta Gorda City Council, the Punta Gorda Beautification and Revitalization Committees, and others who helped with the project.  

Touching on the historic significance of the mural, Vic  Desguin, retired Charlotte County Tax Collector, reflected on the small white church at the corner of the mural, which was the first parish church and the one he first attended with his family when he moved to Punta Gorda in 1936.  "Father Flynn was the pastor, and there were only about 10 people at Mass." he noted.  Desquin and his first wife, now deceased, were the first young couple married in the little church in 1951.

Father Jerry also presented the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society with a donation  for $3000 raised by a special dinner event, noting that in addition to supplying the paint, materials and other support to complete the work of art, the Mural Society will maintain the mural for life.  

More posts on the Sacred Heart Mural and other Punta Gorda Murals.