Synod 2025 Artwork

Our Synod theme artwork was created by California based artist Sarah Fuller. Sarah is a linocut printmaker, illustrator and fabric artist who has been involved in the Catholic Worker movement for many years, and has a Master of Divinity degree and an MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies. 

In creating the Synod artwork, Sarah explains: "The theme for the Synod 2025 is “Communities of Hope through Disruptive Grace.” As I thought about the ideas encapsulated in that theme in order to create an art piece, I came to the idea of portraying a butterfly whose wing markings were works of mercy, service and justice- activities that are currently undertaken by the Diocese of Ontario, and which also have room to grow and expand. A butterfly undergoes a process of metamorphosis, from caterpillar to butterfly- this is a transformation, as well as a renewal of identity, while still being grounded in a continuity of the creature's essence and mission. It's a process that is profoundly disruptive, while also being natural and positive.

Learning about the Diocese of Ontario, I saw that peace and justice work, welcoming refugees, serving the poor and ecological care as causes the diocese is already involved in, and I wanted to represent these activities on the butterfly's wings. I portrayed stylized scenes of specific church ministries. The butterfly itself is bursting skyward, a harbinger of hope, surrounded by hearts and lines of action. The butterfly is a sign for itself and its surroundings of powerful change, through love and service. It shows a way to “transform unjust structures of society” and to “challenge violence of every kind.” It appears fragile, but it captures the heart and imagination of people who see and experience it, and that makes it powerful. It embodies gentle service through love, tenacity, groundedness and an openness to the future."