With peace comes Sanctuary

The flight into Egypt was of particular significance to the art works of Nicholas Myneer,

on display in Portsmouth Cathedral recently.

Myneer is an artist and sculptor and this particular work of art, like so many of his works, shows the holy family making their escape from the violence of the Massacre of Innocents . Yet, given a more up-to-date take, it represents escape from current violence, as in Gaza.

In both drawing and sculpture, Myneer adopts a stylistic format, which can be interpreted Biblically or given a present-day slant. For example, one of his works can be seen as the placing of Moses in a basket, waiting and hoping for the attention of Pharoah’s daughter or as putting a child into a refugee’s boat, in the hope of securing the baby’s safety. For Myneer, the rescuers are always angels, hence members of the RNLI, who have pulled refugees from the sea, come into this category. Even those who have perished are rowed by St. Michael to Paradise.

As Myneer himself writes:

Over the past years I have become increasingly aware of the plight of refugees; from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Somalia along with daily reports of refugees attempting to cross The English Channel. Whether they flee from war, persecution, famine, political instability or for economic reasons, the risks are the same, all driven by hope, the hope of a better life.

In the display, too, are poems and prayers, all moving and thought-provoking as a consideration of Biblical events and present-day problems.

Thinking about these situations, we pray:

O Lord Jesus Christ, great shepherd of the sheep and angel of protection, who seeks those who are far from their homeland, bind up those who are broken and bring peace to those who seek sanctuary. Grant them resilience in the many challenges of life and a safe and secure lodging at last. Amen