Photos

Restoring statues becomes a ministry for this parishioner

When Cyndy Flores-Mocarski and her husband found their perfect house in 2015 located just three blocks from St. Francis Borgia Parish, where her husband serves as a deacon, she was overjoyed. But unbeknownst to her, a statue of Jesus given to them as housewarming gift would launch a new side ministry.
St. Francis Borgia parishioner Cyndy Flores-Mocarski repairs statues at her home in Chicago on June 8, 2024. The art school graduate and professional photographer has restored damaged statues for St. Pascal Church as well as her home parish where her husband, Irek, is a deacon. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A statue of Mary and baby Jesus that Cyndy Flores-Mocarski restored for St. Francis Borgia Parish. (Photo courtesy of Cyndy Flores-Mocarski)
The before image of a statue of Jesus where Flores-Mocarski had to recreate the nose. (Photo courtesy of Cyndy Flores-Mocarski)
The before image of a statue of Jesus where Flores-Mocarski had to recreate the nose (Photo courtesy of Cyndy Flores-Mocarski)
An angel statue she restored. (Photo courtesy of Cyndy Flores-Mocarski)
Father Marek Smolka, pastor of St. Francis Borgia Parish, blesses Flores-Mocarski’s renovated Fatima statues. (Photo courtesy of Cyndy Flores-Mocarski)

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