By Joyce Bibey
MARTINSBURG—The mural featured for this special FaithInWV [December 25, 2025] edition was discovered in the attic of the former convent—now Mary’s Refuge in Martinsburg—on the campus of St. Joseph High School, between St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph Church. Mary’s Refuge Director Allison Ferrell treasures the breathtaking artwork of a unique scene. Notably absent? The Nativity.
A little history: The convent was once home to the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. According to Archivist Jon-Erik Gilot of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, the sisters arrived in the Eastern Panhandle in 1838, when Martinsburg was part of Virginia and the Diocese of Richmond, to staff St. Vincent’s Female Benevolent School, which operated until 1841. The school reopened in 1883 as St. Joseph’s Parochial School.
Although the mural is unsigned, it is believed that one or more of the sisters painted the serene scene and decoupaged the angels and kings. Delegate for Consecrated Life Sister Martha Gomez, RGS, said the painting may have been used as a backdrop for a live Nativity scene or school play. However, the painting in its own right gives the viewer a glimpse of the announcement, the anticipation, and the emphasis of hoping, seeking, and believing, she said.
More than 200 Daughters of Charity served in Martinsburg until August 2014, when the congregation withdrew from West Virginia. Only four sisters lived in the convent at that time – three were reassigned to other states, and Sr. Margaret Ann Wooden stayed to complete her assignment as a first-grade teacher at St. Joseph Grade School.
Do you know a mother-to-be who feels like they’re not being listened to, have nowhere to turn, and have no safe place to be?
Mary’s Refuge is a sanctuary for young expectant mothers who need a hand up. Our community-building program provides a stable, safe place to live during pregnancy, access to resources for prenatal care and counseling, along with career and educational opportunities. Applicants must be clean and sober, currently pregnant, and have no debilitating medical issues. Feel free contact us online using our confidential form or call us directly at 304.350.1632. We service Martinsburg, WV and the surrounding areas.
