Label
Hailing from the modern-day Czech Republic, St. John Neumann is credited with establishing the Catholic education system in the United States. In 1852, he became the fourth bishop of Philadelphia, serving until his death in 1860. Several elements of this piece celebrate St. John Neumann’s significance for the city. To the left of the saint are the city’s motto Philadelphia maneto (“Let brotherly love continue”), and a crest with three crosses—likely a simplified rendition of the seal for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The three crosses are found in both this seal and the diocese’s, though the latter’s official image also contains a star and a miter (bishop headwear as observed on St. John Neumann’s head). Other hints to the saint’s important role for Philadelphia include the green bell, reminiscent of the Liberty Bell, and the Latin Inscription, which reads Ne cesses Ioannes tueri (“Never cease, John, to protect”).
St. John Neumann is the only canonized male U.S. citizen, attaining sainthood in 1977. This piece was created in 1971, six years before his canonization (the “BL.” alludes to his designation at the time as “Blessed”). His legacy is found primarily in Neumann Centers (Catholic centers on secular school campuses) across the nation. Bolton Morris, a renowned and prolific artist, created the panel in his studio in Villanova, located in his home. The piece was originally housed in St. Justin Martyr Church, which merged with St. John the Baptist Vianney Church in 2009.Label Type
Credit LineLabel
Label written by Andrew Jarecki, ‘27Label Type
Credit LineLabel
Gift of Carmen R. Croce, '71