Damien Walker speaks about the meaning, symbolism, and spiritual journey behind Our Lady of the Prairie, the life-size painting commissioned by the Diocese of New Ulm.

Artist Damien Walker is currently in the Diocese of New Ulm, sharing the story and sacred inspiration behind Our Lady of the Prairie. His visit has sparked widespread media coverage across Minnesota as the diocese celebrates the rededication and the ongoing Pilgrimage of Hope.

Inspired by a sacred painting by Damien Walker, the Diocese of New Ulm has launched a powerful eight-day pilgrimage across twenty communities - uniting faith, healing, and devotion to Our Lady of the Prairie.

The Diocese of New Ulm is preparing to rededicate itself to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of the Prairie. Discover how Damien Walker’s artwork became the heart of this journey of hope, healing, and unity.

From a small studio in Rangiora, New Zealand, to the vast prairies of Minnesota, Our Lady of the Prairie is a powerful new Marian image created by Damien Walker for the Diocese of New Ulm. Commissioned as a symbol of hope and unity, this sacred painting now stands as a visual catechesis for generations to come.

Sacred artist Damien Walker sits down with Catholic speaker Chris Stefanick for a powerful conversation on how beauty in art can open hearts, spark faith, and bring healing in unexpected ways.

Damien Walker joins Lorie Balderas on the Fresh Catholic podcast to discuss sacred art, beauty, and how his studio is helping lead people to deeper faith through visual storytelling.

On the Feast of the Assumption, St Mary of the Angels in Wellington was officially dedicated as Aotearoa New Zealand’s National Shrine to Mary, Mother of God, Assumed into Heaven. The celebration marked the return of the specially commissioned artwork Ko Hāta Maria by Damien Walker, following its year-long hīkoi across the country.

Commissioned for the rededication of Aotearoa, Ko Hāta Maria weaves Māori symbolism with Catholic tradition and now rests in New Zealand’s national Marian shrine.

In 2023, The Studio of Saint Philomena was commissioned to restore the memorial statues of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette at Villa Maria College. Using original Mattei Brothers moulds and traditional techniques, including 24k gold leaf, the Studio brought new life to these sacred figures, preserving their beauty and meaning for future generations.

Vatican News has featured Damien Walker and the Studio of Saint Philomena for their role in New Zealand’s national rededication to Mary. Learn how sacred art continues to make an impact on the global stage.