From Texas comes this enlightening and inspiring story of a deacon of many talents — one of them, using a brush and paint:

On any afternoon, artist Rolando Lujan could be found working on an art project, whether it’s painting on cantera tile or his latest mural, a Noah’s Ark theme in a new East Side pediatric dental clinic.

And yet, like some modern-day hero, Lujan is always prepared to drop the brushes, change his clothes and don an alb and stole to help lead a funeral service or give a blessing to the sick.

Lujan, who has been married for more than 20 years to his wife, Norma Angelica and has three daughters, is also a dedicated deacon at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Central El Paso.

As a recently ordained deacon, Lujan is part of a wave of religious leaders who are helping the Catholic Church meet the needs of its members. In May, the Catholic Diocese of El Paso ordained 15 deacons — including Lujan — who assist with baptisms, witness weddings and conduct funeral rites at various churches.

Even when he’s not wearing the religious vestments — and is back at the drawing board — Lujan said he experiences a connection to his creator and appreciates God’s gifts on Earth.

“Being an artist just gives me another perspective on life,” he said. “Often, when I’m working on a mural in a home, I’m around construction workers. And it will happen that they will feel comfortable around me and start talking to me, and sometimes talk to me about their problems.

“And it can become a chance to evangelize and to talk about God — and becomes another way that enriches my life. It is like a gift that God has given me to be able to relate to people.”

There’s more at the link. Bless him, and the remarkable work that he’s doing.

Photo: Deacon Rolando Lujan, standing by one of his murals, depicting Noah’s Ark. Photo by Rudy Gutierrez/El Paso Times