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STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Members of the ̽������ Steubenville Summer Mission team, religious, and lay people gathered in an alley in downtown Steubenville on Friday, May 19, as Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton blessed the mural of the Immaculate Heart of Mary painted on the exterior wall of the chancery.

Guided by mural artist Ruston Baker, members of the 2016 Steubenville Summer Mission team spent several days on scaffolding to help paint the mural. Funds from the 2013 and 2014 summer mission teams funded the project.

Gathered in a circle, the crowd sang the hymn “Sing of Mary Pure and Lowly” to begin the ceremony.

As he stood in the center, Bishop Monforton reflected on the importance of the Immaculate Mary, Patroness of the Diocese of Steubenville.

“This image will remind us of the close ties of Mary to Christ and his Church. She is the image and model of the Church.”

Bishop Monforton blessed the colorful image of the Blessed Mother. To end the ceremony, the crowd joined together in singing “Immaculate Mary.”