One of the fun aspects of doing research for this Blog, is finding information on totally unrelated searches to the initial research. In these weeks of unrest in our Church I found this inspiring story of a very talented nun, who can give us courage in our old age! Also she belongs to a community dedicated to continuous adoration of the Eucharist where the nuns pray 24/7. Their ministry continues unbroken since 1921, when the order arrived in Cleveland
MOTHER MARY THOMASis a nun of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Cleveland , Ohio
Mother Mary began painting in high school in Appleton , Wisconsin Guanajuato , Mexico , and the Duanto Alighiere School in Rome Rome
“I was attending the Easter Vigil Mass in the Crypt Church
She resolved to devote her life to the Eucharist. When an American priest lent her a directory of religious communities in theUnited States Cleveland
Mother Mary did not miss her art during the 14 years that followed. She embraced contemplative life, its ascetic lifestyle and her duties within the cloister.
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Then, one year, her community celebrated their superior’s feast day with a display of their individual arts and crafts. For the occasion, Mother Mary sketched a stained-glass window depicting the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, her superior asked her to prepare a portfolio. Ever since then, she helps support the monastery by executing commissioned works and with paintings auctioned at an annual fundraiser.
She resolved to devote her life to the Eucharist. When an American priest lent her a directory of religious communities in the
Mother Mary did not miss her art during the 14 years that followed. She embraced contemplative life, its ascetic lifestyle and her duties within the cloister.
Then, one year, her community celebrated their superior’s feast day with a display of their individual arts and crafts. For the occasion, Mother Mary sketched a stained-glass window depicting the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, her superior asked her to prepare a portfolio. Ever since then, she helps support the monastery by executing commissioned works and with paintings auctioned at an annual fundraiser..
For the past decade, the 84-year-old nun estimates she spends about five hours daily, mostly working alone. She works in a chapel on an upper floor in a non-cloistered area of the shrine building, just east of downtown Cleveland
Mother Marey says she hopes that her art can help people find God and connect more with their faith. “People are really searching today. They need God and are looking for Him. Eternal life means so much. Once you start examining Christian themes and the mysteries of our faith, trying to express those eternal values and truth is the highest form of art you can do,” she adds, noting that sometimes an icon or a work of art can help people understand the mysteries of faith.
"Jesus belongs to all of us. His love is for each and every one of us exclusively and permanently.
Her painting style is reminiscent of the Mexican muralist movement (she studied under famed Mexican Muralist David Siquieros) in which she uses vibrant colors and strong line and shape. She also does stained glass windows and designs vestments.
She certainly is an inspiration to all who think their waning years to be fruitless. Not only in her art, but in her love of the Lord does she give us hope.
She certainly is an inspiration to all who think their waning years to be fruitless. Not only in her art, but in her love of the Lord does she give us hope.
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