Alongside the noise of cars zipping by on the Southeast Expressway, a more tranquil scene could be found at Pope John Paul II Park last Thursday afternoon as “peace lanterns” made by students who attend Dorchester’s Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy were lit and installed in a temporary exhibition.

The annual event harnesses the artistic talents of all 1,070 students on three campuses. Each student was tasked to create a paper lantern that helped line the trailways of Pope John Paul II Park.

Paper peace lanterns created by the students at Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy line the trailways at Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester.

Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy Regional Director, Kate Brandley, showcases a student’s paper peace lantern. Campaign for Catholic Schools/Jim Scholl photos