Christ’s light among us photo contest

For two centuries, the light of Jesus Christ has shone in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. His light is revealed in the people who reflect His love, in moments of compassion and service, and in the beauty that draws us closer to Him. Where have you seen His light?

We invited you to See it. Capture it. Share it.

Out of over 250 photo submissions, below are the 33 images selected to be showcased on the archdiocesan platforms and displayed at the Bicentennial Jubilee Mass on July 18, 2026.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who shared how they see the light of Christ shining among us!

Image of a stained glass with Jesus in front of a cross and his hand held out in front.

Bicentennial Showcase

Landscape

Huddle Up

Huddle Up

Submission by: Jocelyn Boeker

You can totally see Christ’s light in how everyone is just there for each other. It’s like, even when we’re nervous, we know we’ve got each other’s backs and God is right there in the middle of it.

Devotion

Devotion

Submission by: Kathy Carey

This photo was taken on September 3, 2016. A few sentences cannot describe the devotion both my parents had to their 90+ years of Catholicism and 65+ years of marriage, nor can a few sentences begin to describe my father's devotion and commitment to be with my mom until the end. This photo of him reading prayers by her bedside in her final days is a glimpse of what devotion looks like.

A Church Set Aglow with New Life

A Church Set Aglow with New Life

Submission by: Dave Koester

39 individuals found God within our parish this year and decided to join our OCIA program. Christ's light is quite literally shining in this picture as our congregation has passed our Easter fire between one another. In the faces and raised hands, you can sense that His light is not only seen but received and carried outward by each person.

Portrait

Sisterly Love

Sisterly Love

Submission by: Candice Doerr

This photo was captured in December of 2025 during Christmas festivities. The Sister was captured lovingly adoring a beautiful, sleeping patient, just one of many whom she is devoted to caring for.

Special Recognition

Landscape

Broken and Beautiful

Broken and Beautiful

Submission by: Kayla Coleman

Two young women who chose to sink to their knees in the middle of a crowd, unconcerned with who was watching or what it looked like. Christ’s light burns through this image in that single act of letting go, a physical declaration that He is bigger than pride, bigger than comfort, bigger than the opinion of the person standing right next to you.

St. Joseph Croatian Church Choir: Radiant Joy in Sacred Song

St. Joseph Croatian Church Choir: Radiant Joy in Sacred Song

Submission by: Suzanne Chisum

The St. Joseph Croatian Church choir radiates joy when praising God. Their voices rise in the hymns of their homeland in their native tongue. For the diaspora parishioners—many of whom fled the upheaval of war-torn Bosnia—this is more than a Mass; it is a beautiful time of fellowship with others who share their heritage and faith. Through every note, they prove that while history may displace a people, faith provides an unshakable anchor, uniting a community as they radiate Christ’s light. (Easter Sunday, 2023)

St. Peter Families

St. Peter Families

Submission by: Amelia Shaw

St. Peter Catholic School groups grades kindergarten through eighth together to attend monthly Mass and participate in faith-filled activities together in order to build stronger bonds among the school. Christ’s light shines through this photo as the oldest member of the “St. Peter Family” glances down to check in on one of her family members. The other children have hands folded in prayer with smiles on their faces.

Portrait

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

Submission by: Robert Kurtz

Christ is present here as the lamb, with beams of light emanating from him. He is adored by his angel ministers. Visible above the baldacchino, this scene reminds the faithful of the light of Christ present in his sacrificial death and resurrection for us.

A Minute with Mary

A Minute with Mary

Submission by: Eileen Spinner

My daughter and I left PSR class one night. We have passed this Mary statue 100s of times. For whatever reason this one time she stopped me, looked at Mary, looked at me and said, “Mom, do people sometimes stop and say hi or say a prayer to her?” I said, “Definitely, you can ask her to intercede for you for whatever you want to pray for.” So... she knelt down, prayed for a minute, turned and smiled and went along her way! 💕

Simplicity in Splendor

Simplicity in Splendor

Submission by: Christopher Kenneback

Even in a small cabin in the middle of a state park, Christ's light shines bright. I get to see Christ's light reflected in the hearts of teenagers every week, but being able to witness the tangible change first hand on a retreat is something I will never take for granted. Praise God for sending His Spirit to move in the hearts and minds of His children, drawing them closer to Himself every day!

Serviam

Serviam

Submission by: Patricia Ovca

Joseph Ovca, (11 at time of photo) joyful steward for Christ, lighting candles in preparation for 0:900 Sunday morning Mass. Joey was born premature on the Feast of St Catherine Laboure - we are forever grateful to her intercession and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for Joseph’s survival - he’s wanted to become a priest since 1st grade. Joyful witness to Christ’s Light every day through word, deed, and action.

Quiet Moments

Quiet Moments

Submission by: Christopher Kennebeck

I see Christ's light here in the quiet moment of a busy retreat when one of our CORE Team members chose to braid the youth minister's hair, a quiet act of friendship and service during an otherwise hectic time. It is no small feat what youth ministers are able to accomplish in forming the hearts of our teens, let alone leading 60 teen volunteers and 58 8th graders through a Luke 18 retreat. Here, we see even through all of that, Christ's joy is present in their hearts, sharing a lighthearted moment of respite.

First Communicant Nora and St Margaret Mary Alacoque in Stained Glass

First Communicant Nora and St Margaret Mary Alacoque in Stained Glass

Submission by: Carolyn Guidry

I’ve been an SMMA parishioner since birth, as has my daughter, Nora. My dad, Bob Gau, helped build this church, and my deceased mom, Kathy Gau, started Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at our parish in this chapel. There is no where I feel closer to God and to my mom, than here. St Margaret Mary Alacoque, pray for us, especially my Nora on her first communion!

A Minute with Mary

N/A

Submission by: Natalie Miller

My confirmation day brought family together that rarely sees each other and have fallen away from the faith but seeds were planted and mentioning of returning. My sponsor was in seminary and my uncle was his mentor and my pastor met my patron saint and I didn’t know that till the week before. Gods light is shining through the glass and you can see the rays coming down upon my family.

A Minute with Mary

With My Buddy

Submission by: Kai Pagano

Eighth grader Lucy Kate Marquard holds the hand of her kindergarten buddy Pharoah McDowell while St. Margaret of Scotland School’s religious education coordinator, Mary Kay McVey, places ashes on his forehead at Ash Wednesday Mass. The buddy relationship is an example of Christ’s light because the older students care for and show love for the younger students.