The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Father Fred Anthony blesses the icon "Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians," during Mass on Feb. 16 at St. Helen Catholic Church. Icons are artwork that are used in prayer and are often called a "window to heaven." In ancient times, when many people could not read, icons were a visual way for them to share the truth about God. This icon was created by the Italian artist Fabrizio Diomedi. There are three of these icons in Oregon that depict the Blessed Virgin Mary and martyrs - those who have died over many centuries due to their Christian beliefs. This icon was at Catholic churches in Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home and was transported to eastern Oregon on Monday. A Rosary was prayed at St. Helen every day last week. They were led by the Knights of Columbus Council 8624, which sponsored the icon, and the fourth-grade and Youth Group religious education programs.