Over three years ago, Sarah, Claire, and I had an idea: to bring together a group of artists in Chicago. But not just any artists—Catholic artists! And that’s how Chicago Catholic Artists came to be.
Back then, I never would have imagined that we would one day gather for Holy Mass celebrated by our chaplain, Bishop Mark Bartosic, at one of Chicago’s most beautiful churches, St. Mary of Perpetual Help.
And here we are, celebrating our 3rd Annual Mass for Artists!
I left feeling inspired and full of hope, but also with a profound sense of responsibility.
As Bishop Bartosic reminded us in his homily,
Artists have a unique opportunity to become creative partners in God’s plan of creation.
His words were both inspiring and challenging.
We are called to translate invisible truths into tangible reality through our art—whether through poetry, painting, film, or even a fantasy novel. We have a responsibility to bring God to a world that so often loses sight of Him.
Quoting Dostoyevsky, St. Pope John Paul II affirmed in his Letter to Artists that
Beauty will save the world.
Artists are called to place their talents
At the service of their neighbor and humanity as a whole
creating not for empty glory or cheap popularity, but for something greater.
We must remember that what we do is not for our own glory, but for His!
Following Mass, we gathered for a reception at the Catacombs Cafe at St. Mary of Perpetual Help. We are grateful to Fr. Thomas for his hospitality. The conversations seemed endless, and I left with a heart full of excitement, encouragement, and hope.
Chicago is a great city, but it becomes even greater when you’re surrounded by Catholic artists!
May we continue creating beauty for the greater glory of God.
