Wall Murals
The sixteen Rotunda wall paintings, framed in sculptured ornamental borders, are arranged in two groupings. Faith, Hope, Charity and the Cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and, and Temperance. The eighth panel, the Good Shepherd, represents Christ as the culmination of all the virtues.
The eight panels on the main floor depict the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, followed by the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. The eighth panel, the Good Shepherd, represents Christ as the culmination of all the virtues.
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FAITH is characterized by the figure of Jesus walking on the water near a sinking Peter whose faith has failed him.
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HOPE is seen in the portrait of a radiant Jesus appearing to the remaining eleven apostles after the resurrection.
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CHARITY shows the "first social worker" in the person of the Good Samaritan.
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PRUDENCE is exemplified by the five wise virgins bearing torches as symbols of the light of faith and the lamp of learning.
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JUSTICE is seen in the mural of the workers from the vineyard awaiting wages they had agreed to accept.
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FORTITUDE is dramatized in the painting of St. Stephen suffering martyrdom by stoning.
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TEMPERANCE is seen in St. John the Baptist doing penance for past excesses and failings.
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD is Christ as the epitome of all virtue seeking out the Lost Sheep.