Catholic Saints Mosaic Art By Michelle Collins

I had been thinking for a while about doing a series of the Saints. But, where do I begin? Finally a series of events including: a trip to St. Augustine, my cousins passing, and some strange coincidences. I finally got started!

My 2nd visit to St. Augustine!

I had visited St. Augustine once before. As with that last trip, I left with a revival of my faith, and stories to tell. Maybe just odd coincidences, or signs that only are for me. St. Augustine is a very special place.

I did not get to attend Mass at the Cathedral Basilica on my first trip. I was pretty bummed. This visit I did! It was was Holy week, and attended the Chrism Mass. This is the Mass where the Bishop blesses all of the oils.

My cousin: Father Michael Sepp, passed away from lung cancer in March of 2009. My uncle Timmy, and I went to NY for the funeral. It was one I will never, ever forget. The priests flooded in; in off white robes, and it seemed as though they were never ending! I had never experienced a Mass with over 50 priests doing the consecration all at the same time, nor, did I think I woul. In fact as we left the church my uncle said: " I don't think we will ever experience anything like that again! ".

Well, I did get to experience it again. Not even a month later on our visit to St. Augustine, at the Chrism Mass! Well over 50 priests in off white robes flooding into the church. They renewed there "Vows?" ( I don't know what the technical term is for that LOL) Again as with Michael's service, they all stood pouring off the sides of the alter. Then they all joined in the consecration with the Bishop.

In addition to the similarities of the Mass' ; The Cathedral Basilica (inside) is layed out very much like St. Benedict's in the Bronx. St. Benedict's is where my cousin had his first ever Mass 25 years ago. This is also where his service took place, before his burial.

Also, The Cathedral Basilica serves: St. Benedict The Moor, church in St. Augustine. All of these similarities drove me to want to read further about St. Benedict. What I thought was one Saint; turned out to be two different Saint Benedict's. (But that is for another time.)

Another Benedict?

Shortly after the trip to St. Augustine, I was visiting a friend; I noticed a book on her table called "The Tears OF God" by Father Benedict Groeschel.

Father Benedict Groeschel is a priest on EWTN, and has his own show. Coincidently, my cousin (Father Michael Sepp) was on his show when he was ill. He spoke about his illness. For anyone with cancer or other fatal illnesses please llisten to this interview: Father Michael Sepp Interview

I had painted St. Dymphna a few years back as she is my Patron Saint. So, "technically" she is the first of the series. Doing her piece is what initially sparked the idea, to do a series on various Saints.

After the experiences on my trips, I had all intentions of starting the series with the Benedict's. But, I ended up starting with St. Augustine. I thought: " This was where so much began, so that is where I will begin." Then it lead me to his mother, St. Monica and I am just letting it take me where ever it may. I did read about the Benedict Saints, but have not done a piece on either. Yet!

St. Augustine was my 2nd piece in this series of mosaic paintings. After doing a piece featuring my patron Saint: Saint Dymphna. I thought I should do a series of Saints, but did not know where to begin.

A year or so passed, and after a series of events including: a trip to St. Augustine, my cousins passing, and some strange coincidences. I finally got started! Read more of my lens on St. Augustine.

Saint Monica was my 3rd piece in this series of mosaic paintings. I was led to St. Monica Of Hippo while working on the painting of her son St. Augustine Of Hippo. During my reading about St. Augustine and his conversion, I learned a lot about St. Monica and her role in his conversion. Read more of my lens on St. Monica.

Saint Anthony was my 4th piece in this series of mosaic paintings. I must say his name dozens of times a day! I am always loosing things, and he always comes through! If you are like me try this prayer it ALWAYS works! Read more of my lens on St. Anthony.

Saint Peter was my 6th piece in this series of mosaic paintings. This series has been a learning/teaching experience. Being that, I decided that St. Peter was a very important piece to add to this series. As a Catholic I know there is a lot of misunderstanding with regards to the church, and the role of the Pope.

Jesus left Peter in charge of his church on earth. Many people may not know why St Peter is believed by Catholics to be first Pope. Some dismiss the history in order to uphold their own religious beliefs, others are just not aware of the history at all. Read more of my lens on St. Peter.

Welcome to my Squidoo! I am an artist, a wife & a mom of 3 girls. I became addicted to Squidoo in November 2009! Since I have received: LotD twice and 7 Purple Stars. I am a Giant 100 club member, a RocketMom and a Squid Angel for the Art History neighborhood. My lens collection features: my original artwork,free clip art I have created, my travels and several other topics I like to write about. To view my original paintings & sculptures you can visit my website @ ARTBYMICHELLECOLLINS.COM!

Worldwide Women Artists is an international collective of women artists showing and selling our original art through the worldwide web. As women artists, we give birth to our ideas in a variety of styles and media. We embrace the diversity of each other's work, celebrating the joy of creating our art and sharing it with the world.