Jory Mertens is a recent graduate of the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, Missouri, and a candidate for ordination to the diaconate in January. Combining his calling as deacon and artist, he recently completed the Folk Saint Collection, which is a vibrant series of digital illustrations that reimagine sanctity through the lens of marginalized lives and spiritual resilience. Originally commissioned by U.S. Catholic magazine, the project grew from a single cover image into eight distinct portraits—each one a meditation on faith, adversity, and the quiet power of folk homage. (Click on each image to see it in a larger format and learn more.)
“Saint” Toribio Romo
Saint Toribio Romo is known for appearing to migrants in the desert, guiding them toward safety and water. Mertens places him in the arid expanse of the Southwestern United States, a visual echo of the terrain where his miracles are said to occur. “He tries to lead people to safety,” Jory explained, making this portrait a symbol of hope for those in peril and a tribute to the spiritual presence found in moments of desperation.
Bodhisattva Mary
This fusion of Marian iconography and Buddhist meditation reflects Mertens’s embrace of spiritual pluralism. Mary sits in a traditional meditation pose, haloed in Christian light but grounded in Eastern stillness. “I wanted to portray her as Mary,” Jory said, “but she’s in a Buddhist position… it’s very much about pluralism.” The piece invites viewers to consider the divine across traditions, unified by peace and mercy.
“Saint” Marina the Monk
Rendered in muted browns and soft golds, Marina’s portrait is a study in simplicity. A woman who lived as a monk, Marina rejected worldly distractions to pursue a life of prayer and solitude “She kind of shoved away all other parts of life,” Jory noted. The restrained palette reflects her aesthetic, making this one of the most contemplative pieces in the collection—a quiet homage to spiritual discipline.
“Saint” Wilgefortis
A vivid explosion of color surrounds Saint Wilgefortis, a figure revered especially within the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities. According to legend, she grew a beard to escape an unwanted marriage and was martyred for her defiance. “I wanted to pull in this inclusivity, Jory said, describing the palette as a celebration of identity and resistance. The portrait stands as a beacon for those who challenge societal norms in pursuit of authenticity.
“Saint” Guinefort the Dog
Though never officially recognized, Guinefort, a loyal greyhound in medieval France, was venerated as a protector of children. After mistakenly being slain by his master in an act of tragic misunderstanding, miracles were attributed to his spirit. Peasants honored him as a guardian, and his story endures as a testament to the deep bond between humanity and animals. Perhaps the most whimsical piece in the collection, Saint Guinefort is adorned with a saint’s halo. “It’s interesting to see a dog with a halo,” Jory laughed, noting that this piece often draws smiles and curiosity. While lighthearted, it also gestures toward the sacredness found in companionship and loyalty—qualities often overlooked in traditional sainthood.
Anastacia of Brazil
A former slave who bore a steel plate in her face, Anastacia’s story is one of pain and perseverance. “She wanted to stop agitating others,” Jory explained, “but she kept advocating for freedom and rights.” Her portrait channels that tension, between silencing and resistance, and honors the courage of those who speak out even when the cost is high.
Each painting in the Folk Saint Collection is more than a portrait—it’s an offering. Through color, symbolism, and story, Jory Mertens invites viewers to reflect on courage, compassion, and the quiet holiness found in unexpected places. These saints may not be canonized, but their legacies endure—in desert sands, prayers, and now, in art that dares to see the divine in the margins.
Upon his graduation, Jory gifted a copy of each image to the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in hopes that the saints would inspire his classmates for their service to God and their communities.
The Folk Saint Collection can be viewed in person at the Bishop Kemper School For Ministry, and can also be viewed or purchased on Jory’s website: https://www.artbyjory.com/folk-saints
by Jack Welker
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