The academic year of 2021–2022 was my sophomore year of undergraduate studies at the Mount. During this time, our guide and protector at the University was taken down from her perch and regilded in glorious gold. I remember this year vividly; it was a time of turmoil, sorrow, and angst—not just for me, but for everyone on the university campus. Many of the faithful attributed this strange atmosphere to our missing Mother. Even those who were unfamiliar with Mary’s significance to the Church were taken aback by her disappearance. It was common to hear students, faculty, administrators, and visitors alike expressing, “It’s so strange without her here,” regardless of their religious background. I share this not to suggest a narrative of idolatry but to highlight how very attractive our Mother is. There is something powerful about a beautiful woman, especially a beautiful mother. Her presence was profoundly missed that year. When she finally returned, there was a grand celebration.
Beauty is a quality I have consistently aimed to incorporate into everything I do. I graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education and a minor in Music. My preferred medium is ceramics, an art form that is often messy and raw. Throughout my studies, I frequently found inspiration in Mary. Her authentic beauty touched my heart, and her experiences provided solace for my own. In her presence, I reflected on themes of sacrifice, sorrow, and joy as I created tirelessly.
The Pietà is a work that embodies true beauty for me. A replica of Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece is nestled along a path at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. This piece is simply stunning. In a moment filled with agony, toil, demise, and disappointment, Mary remains trusting in both her Maker and her Son. She holds Him with love, accepting His purpose and will.
We need art; even more, we need sacred art. We could not understand the gravity of this moment between Mother and Son fully without a visual depiction. This is how our minds naturally comprehend information.
Unfortunately, beauty has slowly become a lost art. Over time, we have seen buildings arise that do not please the eye. Recent trends have led homes to shift from being well-decorated to merely functional. The arts are often defunded, leaving developing minds with little space to practice creativity freely. The list of concerns could extend for pages in every aspect of human life.
There is something important missing. If we do not practice creating beauty visually, we will not be able to embody it in our character and soul. Furthermore, if our youth do not learn and appreciate its value, we are unlikely to see much beauty in the future. The practice of making beautiful things brings us closer to the Creator. It is through the time spent on these creations that we understand the intricacies of detailed work.
When an artist creates something visually stunning, it often draws the attention of many others. For example, Michelangelo’s Pietà features intricate details such as pronounced ribs, gentle expressions, wrinkles, and individual strands of hair. This level of craftsmanship leaves viewers in awe, making the figures seem so lifelike that one wonders how they do not breathe. It is truly captivating, much like our golden Mother perched on our mountain, which attracts visitors from around the world. People come to admire the faces that embody the purest of beings.
We are naturally drawn to raw beauty. Ignoring it can lead to a decay in our hearts, making us feel hardened, dark, and bitter. In contrast, engaging with beauty brings us peace, comfort, and a sense of balance, which is especially important in the ceramic medium. The arts have always served as a means to express human emotions, both past and present. Today, they act as valuable tools for rest and healing. Since we were created in the image and likeness of the original Creator, it is not surprising that participating in creative acts brings us a sense of calmness. Embrace the pursuit of visual beauty. Its absence, as seen in the case of our Mother, can be profoundly felt.
