Presentations

I love giving talks and retreats- and lately, even teaching a short class or two- because it is where I get to share more fully the deep connections between art and faith- and more importantly, hope and joy! To me, life is all about seeing familiar, ordinary things with new eyes, the eyes of the heart. Here you will see some of my frequent favorite topics as well as the schedule for when and where I am presenting them.

Be Who You Are!

Feeling stressed these days? Artist and author, Brother Mickey McGrath shares his colorful images of Salesian optimism and joy from his award-winning book, BE WHO YOU ARE, the spirit of St. Francis de Sales in words and illuminations.

The Maternal Womb of Mercy

Pope Francis has said the Church should be a Maternal Womb of Mercy, a home of joy and love, not a cold institution. Bro. Mickey shares his colorful paintings, inspired by the Gospel and lives of the saints from across time.  Come feel the healing power of beauty and joy-and a reminder of the gentle and loving Maternal side of God…

Dark Madonnas

Black Madonnas have been venerated as sources of healing and inspiration for centuries.  St. Ignatius’ life was changed when he prayed before Our Lady of Montserrat in Spain.  In our own anxious times of racial and religious strife, we need Mary’s wisdom and peace more than ever.

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The Shapes of Faith - Mandalas

You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy this creative day of contemplative prayer.  This hands-on workshop teaches even non-artists how to create simple mandalas for prayer and meditation – with crayons and markers.

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Journey With The Saints

Art and stories for all seasons!  A holy and heartwarming celebration of Saintly heroes from Gospel days to our own times, that will bring new awareness of God’s presence.  Whatever the season, there are plenty of saints who inspire and remind us of God’s mercy and love.

Silver Saints

A celebration of Senior Saints and Wisdom Figures from Gospel Days to our own times. Brother Mickey shares his paintings and stories in celebration of the second half of life and gift of becoming our true more mature selves.  This a look at silver haired saints who remind us what a treasure the golden years really can be, if we let them.  The perfect retreat, whether you feel joyful and sassy or creaky and cranky.

Brigid’s Lake of Beer: Exploring Celtic Spirituality

Irish or not, who wouldn’t fall in love with St. Brigid of Kildare who envisioned heaven as a great lake of beer? With the great saints of Ireland and their beautiful homeland as a backdrop, Bro. Mickey shares his paintings and the stories behind them to highlight the basics of Irish Celtic Spirituality.

Wise & Holy Women

An insightful look at creative women wisdom figures throughout generations of church history. Participants explore the lives of saintly women from scripture until today whose joyful determination can still inspire us.

Additional Considerations

Salesian Spirituality: The heart of St. Francis de Sales
The Saints of New York-from Tekakwitha to Day
The Multi-cultural Church
St. Therese, her family, and the Little Way
Good St. John XXIII, reformer and prophet
This Little Light: An Art & Music Celebration of Sr. Thea Bowman