I love sketching from choir lofts, and over the years, I have climbed up more than a few narrow staircases to do so. Because I have been blessed to have two Camden parishes to call home, I have observed many special Masses – both at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where I have lived for 15 years, and at Sacred Heart Church, where I have worked in my studio.
From those lofty heights and the pews below them, I have created many pen and ink drawings (with color added later), several during the installation of Bishop Dennis Sullivan in 2013 and the Vespers celebration the night before. Eight years later, I sketched him again at Sacred Heart Church when he came to celebrate confirmation during the pandemic while wearing a mask.
I was especially delighted when I learned May 21 that our new coadjutor bishop would be coming to us from the Twin Cities, a place very near and dear to my heart for many years. My favorite run-away-from-home place to go for rest and retreat is the Visitation Monastery in north Minneapolis, where my beloved Sisters of the Visitation have lived since 1989. Even though they tend to be big Twins and Vikings fans, we share a very close bond of Salesian spirituality, the spirituality of our patron saints, Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. I texted the sisters the minute I heard the news and asked them, “What’s Bishop Williams like?” Turns out that they know him pretty well, as he has celebrated Mass at the monastery several times.
A few hours later after the coadjutor bishop announcement, I found myself once again, sketchbook in hand, in the Camden Cathedral choir loft to witness the official press conference. In my sketch, Bishop Sullivan is holding a Phillies jersey, a gift to officially welcome Bishop Williams to town. Having once sketched during a game at the Minnesota Twins’ Target stadium, I got a big kick out of that.
Another sketch is one that I drew this past Easter Sunday at Church of the Ascension, the home parish of the sisters in North Minneapolis. Only this one was drawn while I was seated in the front pews. Like the Cathedral and Sacred Heart Parish here at home, Ascension has a large Spanish-speaking community with vibrant music and energy. Since I don’t speak Spanish, drawing keeps me prayerfully attentive. (I have a number of sketches from various feasts of Our Lady of Guadalupe!)
I am delighted to learn that, just like Bishop Sullivan, Bishop Williams has a special place in his heart for the Latino community. Drawing in the choir loft with my bird’s-eye view, I see and hear nothing but beauty and diversity. Bienvenidos, Bishop Williams!
Brother Mickey McGrath, an Oblate of Saint Francis de Sales, is an award-winning artist and author who lives in Camden.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
