If anyone thirsts

INDIALANTIC — Little Louisa Khan walked out of the sanctuary at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic. Her father, Mansoor, followed protectively at her side.

The bronze statue”Welcoming Jesus” was created by Ellen Pavlakos and is diplayed at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic. Image © 2004, Michael R. Brown, FLORIDA TODAY
When the 3-year-old spied the bronze statue of Christ seated on a rock in the garden, she climbed into its lap, grabbed hold of the statue and gave it a hug.

“She likes to hug the Lord,” said her father, who called the statue a “great instrument of faith.”

Indeed, since the statue, titled “Welcoming Jesus,” was installed at the church in February, children and adults alike have felt compelled to climb into the statue’s lap. Sometimes, they come with cameras to have their photograph taken with the Christ statue.

Created by acclaimed Indialantic artist Ellen Pavlakos, the statue sits serenely on a rock from which water flows. He is gently extending his arms, as if beckoning people, young and old, to approach. Below is a line of scripture from John 7:37: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me.”