Father Juan Osorno, the parochial administrator of Holy Family Parish, recently shared his story of becoming a priest and said that he wanted to be one when he was still younger. When God called him to serve the church, he decided to use his gifts to spread the Gospel.
Gift of Art
In a report with The Florida Catholic, the idea came to him a year ago when he decided to create a Nativity Scene for the church. He wanted it to display the concept of "The Word made flesh."
Father Osorno managed to create a diorama depicting the Nativity Scene. The display is currently at the parish sanctuary. Visitors could see it until Wednesday, Feb. 2.
Besides the Nativity Scene, the parochial administrator was able to make other Biblical scenes come to life. These included Genesis, Noah and the Great Flood, and Via Dolorosa.
There was also a depiction of Jesus talking to the Samaritan Woman at the well.
He enlisted the help of his parishioners, Juliana Rubio and Julia Certuche.
The parish youth team also helped make hand-crafted pine trees and add small details such as stone and wood into the scenery.
Unique Vision
Father Osorno told the news outlet that his creativity flows through him the same way he preaches.
According to him, Christ told him that his gift is more than painting a picture. God gave reportedly him a unique vision that brought to life God's love for humanity.
He stressed that being an artist required a special intelligence to see the world in a different light.
His current display showed scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Father Osorno explained that he wanted to bridge the Old and the New passage.
Life-Giving Water
He also explained the significance of the water flowing from the trunk, saying it was the "root of Jesse."
Water played a central image in his artwork. He said that it reminded the faithful of the Life-Giving Water that made everything flourish and live.
He wanted to have real water flowing through the display. The parochial administrator set up a pump.
Father Osorno also created foil "tunnels," allowing the water to flow without doing damage to its channels.
He told the news outlet that people recognize God through beauty, goodness, and truth.
Father Osorno reminded Catholics that creation reflects Christ. Everything was a reflection of God's work.
"When you are an artist, you can see beauty everywhere," he said.
His favorite thing about being an artist was the ability to see God's grace flowing through him. He saw the face of God in his artwork and the people he inspires.
Father Osorno added that the artist in him comes alive when he preaches. He also sees beauty in God's words and His works.
He was thankful for being able to recreate these manifestations through his art. The parochial administrator prayed that he would continue to show God through his works.
As per its website, the St. Mary Parish is a Catholic church dedicated to serving the people through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The parish also serves its parishioners through the sacramental grace of Holy Mother Church.
More from Crossmap: Bishop Moore Catholic High School student shares experience as volunteer for Christian Service Center
