THE MAGNIFICAT IN MODERN TIMES
Art and Stories with Bro. Mickey McGrath
Lutheran theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed by the Nazis, said the Magnificat was the most passionate, wildest, most revolutionary hymn ever sung. As we begin to think about and plan for Lent, we will take a fresh look at the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth through our twenty-first century perspective. We belong to a Church and a world in great need of reform and Mary’s voice, as a voice from the margins, is calling for radical change; Elizabeth is a wisdom figure and mentor, sharing with Mary her hopes and dreams. Through them we will re-discover the HEALING POWER OF BEAUTY.
We will also look at some modern day saints and artists who teach us to live in Mary’s Magnificat spirit, such as Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, Thea Bowman, and the artist, Sister Corita Kent.
Radical change in the Church and in the world can begin with a single “yes”, as exemplified by Mary and Elizabeth and these modern day saints. As we approach the season of Lent, this retreat provides us with the chance to re-focus on the power of the heart that is open to God and is ready to embrace Him in those around us. We will find inspiration and direction for our Lenten journey to become instruments of healing, renewal, and beauty in our world and for the Church.
Don’t miss this special Lenten retreat with Brother Mickey McGrath!
Guided by artist Bro. Mickey McGrath. Check-in begins at 3pm and the first presentation will begin after dinner.
Bro. Mickey, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is a popular and engaging presenter who happily travels to conferences, parishes, and retreat centers throughout North America to deliver the good news about deep and often whimsical connections between art and religious faith.
He is the author and illustrator of eleven books, many of which have received awards from Catholic publishing associations. His own articles, or articles about him, have appeared in America Magazine, Commonweal, St. Anthony Messenger, USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer and many diocesean newspapers around the country.
Since 1987, he has served on summer faculty at the Grünewald Guild in Washington State where he’s also a Guild Master.
A native of Philadelphia, Bro. Mickey currently lives and works in Camden, NJ and is parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, a parish within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden.
