A new mural honouring the work of Sister Benedict Chung, R.S.M (a.k.a Sr. Benny) who has, through the ministry of the Laws Street Trade Training Centre, impacted the lives of hundreds of marginalised persons in Downtown Kingston over the past 40 years.
The mural was a gift from a group of five Jamaican volunteers named the “Mission Muralists”. The founder of this generous group (who wishes to remain anonymous) has created memorable works of art for various social outreach ministries around the world and has also shown long standing support towards Laws Street’s food distribution activities through their regular donations of food items. This year is the first time in 18 years that she has garnered the help of others to create such a piece. Over the course of a few days, the Mission Muralists worked tirelessly to paint a colourful and eye-catching mural on the side of the Centre’s building. Referencing John 15:12, the mural itself speaks to the selflessness and love which Sr. Benny has poured out towards the Downtown residents through this very special ministry. Sr. Benny, who did not see the mural as it was being painted, was delighted by the final product and continues to tell others about it.
Coincidentally, the creation of this beautiful mural comes in the same year as the 40th anniversary of Sr. Benedict’s establishment of the Laws Street Trade Training Centre. Located on 1 Laws Street in Kingston, Jamaica, the Centre was founded on July 2, 1984 as an outreach programme which serves the underprivileged residents of surrounding communities. For decades, it offered trade training to thousands of Jamaicans in dressmaking, embroidery, the culinary arts, housekeeping and computer skills. Many of these past trainees are now working professionals in various industries. The Centre also made and sold baked goods to the public as a means of generating revenue for its food distribution programme.
Due to the evolving needs of the population, the focus of the Centre has now turned towards catering to the urgent needs of impoverished Jamaicans (primarily single mothers, children and the elderly), through the provision of financial aid, food and other essential items. Remarkably, they feed 700 individuals twice a month. Furthermore, their financial aid programme offers scholarships to students at all educational levels as well as support for the payment of transportation, meals, and school supplies. This ministry engages in exemplary works of mercy and, over the decades, has only grown from strength to strength.
We thank the Mission Muralists for celebrating Sister Benny’s legacy in such a beautiful way and we look forward to what the future holds for this amazing ministry.
