The work of Christian artists, writers, and poets should help people see that authentic truth, beauty, and goodness are always intertwined. (Pope Benedict XVI)
On Sunday, November 3, 2013, from 1 to 3 pm, the paintings of Fr. Peter Wm. Gray of the Sulpician Society were on display at Theological College, bringing to seminary corridors and meeting rooms the brilliance of their insight and luminous expression. Born of a life of prayer and a love of beauty, these 55 paintings revealed Fr. Gray’s deep attachment to the light of the Spirit as it shines through his representations of the Holy Family, the life of Christ, and various saints and martyrs. In his traditional-style work, he captures many of the artistic symbols and ancient expressions of these historical Catholic subjects that are also part of our present reality. Very moved by the exhibit, David Gaines (4-T) explains the significance of viewing these artifacts of beauty: “Beauty is a way, a path, to God. Fr. Peter Gray’s art exhibit was for me, and for many of us seminarians, faculty, staff, and patrons of Theological College, a way to God. It spoke to our hearts, minds, and spirits. God is not merely the archetype and example of beauty but, as St. Augustine tells us, He is Beauty itself. We realize that our hearts, made in the image and likeness of God, were fashioned in such a way that we yearn for beauty to us God’s inner beauty, goodness, and truth.”
