The Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture is taking place in Rome from February 15 -18. Pope Francis wrote to the artists participating in the Jubilee that they must be “custodians of the beatitudes.”
“Art is not a luxury, but a necessity of the spirit. It is not an escape, but a responsibility, an invitation to action, a call, a cry…. To instruct in beauty is to instruct in hope, and hope is never separated from the drama of existence—it crosses the daily struggle, the fatigue of living, the challenges of our time.” Artists and cultural leaders, in the thought of the pope, are “cultural prophets” and “drivers of peace.”
Sister Laura Rosemarie McGowan, FSP, shares with us her story as an artist in the Pauline mission:
I have often compared life to a journey up a mountain. And I can say that so far my climb has been an exhilarating one! From where I stand, I view the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, and the many significant life events that have come my way. I know without a doubt that the Lord used all these things to form me into the person I am today.
Early in my childhood, Jesus spoke to my heart very clearly. He said, “Follow Me.” I feel that since then he has always been beside me on the climb, urging me to keep on going. Every day he provides me with strength for the journey. And every day I believe he is calling me closer to himself. I have never realized as deeply as I do now that the prayer taught us by Jesus has been my life’s prayer: “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done.”
I remember the time when I first heard Jesus’ call. I was sitting in a classroom, pondering what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was in grade school and my teachers were Catholic Sisters (we called them “nuns”). I liked how they gave their whole life to serve God. I was moved by their dedication and said to myself, “That’s what I’m going to be—a religious Sister!” From that moment on, I would pray often, “Lord, I want to be what you want me to be, to do what you want me to do, to go where you want me to go.”
However, becoming a Sister, following a religious vocation, was a mystery to me. How would I go about it? What congregation should I join? In grade school, my interests and investigations included such biological things as land, soil, and plants. And then there were the animals—I loved them best of all! In short, my happy place was where I could be outdoors enjoying nature and all of God’s creation. Surely, in those days I was a bit of a dreamer and a star gazer.
During the 1970’s the Lord tugged at my heart and when the end of eighth grade came around, I asked my mother to help me write letters to Sisters in various congregations. In the letters I asked the Sisters questions like: “What is your mission?” or “How old do you have to be to enter your community?” and “What steps should I take to serve God as a religious Sister?” While continuing to research different kinds of religious congregations, I waited for responses to my letters. As I received their responses I realized that, although these places were certainly wonderful, I did not feel the Lord calling me to any of them.
By the time I graduated from high school, I had not yet discovered the community I felt called to join. So, instead, I followed my mother’s suggestion. I moved on to my second choice of career until the Lord showed me his will.
I went to school to become a veterinary technician. I finished my internship in Alaska, working in a clinic and even assisting the vet doctors when they examined the Iditarod dogs before the big race. I enjoyed the grandeur of the mountains and all the beauty of nature in that place. In fact, I seemed to “have it all.” But, nevertheless, I still felt unfulfilled.
When the church I attended in Alaska advertised a retreat for women interested in religious life, I decided to go. It was facilitated by some religious Sisters who I had never heard of: the Daughters of St. Paul. I spent the day with them and toward the end of the retreat I heard the Lord say in my heart, “This is it; this is where I want you!”
I began the discernment process and entered shortly after. Now my 50th Jubilee is right around the corner!
As a Daughter of St. Paul I have carried out various forms of mission. In my younger years I worked at the printing presses and in the bindery. As time went on I served as nurse, cook, gardener, and evangelizer. I have also assisted in our Book & Media Centers. In 2007, while I was stationed at our convent in Chicago, a remarkable thing happened! I received a phone call from our superiors and was asked to return to Boston to study art. I was 51 years old.
Not having had any previous studies or background in art, I researched and found a school which could teach me how to draw and paint professionally. Having given my whole heart to this new way of evangelizing now for over fifteen years, I can say that the Lord has done marvels for me and through me. I thank him for this gift! I can now share the faith with this present generation in a whole new way. As I paint, I pray for those who will be touched by what they see; I ask that they may turn to the Lord, who loved us and gave himself for us.
Some people say, “Be careful what you pray for!” Maybe so, but I believe that when we ask our Father in heaven for anything good and loving, he doesn’t forget. Remaining open to his will is like being open to new blessings. Prayer brought me closer to the Lord, and having this union with him is truly life’s greatest gift!
“Soli Deo Gloria!”
