Mickey McGrath

Br. Mickey McGrath, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an artist, author, retreat director, and art and faith tour guide. He lives and works in Camden, New Jersey.

By this Author

"Art, music, poetry and literature are expressions of God's presence in every moment. They don't help us escape from reality, they help us dive into reality," writes Mickey McGrath. (Mickey McGrath)

Whether Einstein or someone in poverty, we all need art

Beauty is indeed saving the world, coming to the rescue one violin and paintbrush at a time, writes Br. Mickey McGrath.

"The Windsock Visitation" by Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Br. Mickey McGrath, commissioned by the Sisters of the Visitation in Minneapolis (Mickey McGrath)

The Magnificat in Minneapolis: May Mary proclaim her words once again

The spirit of Mary and Elizabeth, and the joyful mystery of the Visitation, are alive and well in Minnesota. Artist Br. Mickey McGrath reflects on the city of Minneapolis, his second home.

Br. Mickey McGrath shares sketches and stories from trips to Guatemala and Kenya, where he met people who have benefited from the programs and ministries of Catholic Relief Services. He met Francesca, sketched here, during his time in Kenya. (Mickey McGrath)

Sketching lessons in love from Catholic Relief Services

Through the work of Catholic Relief Services, the world has become a better, kinder place for many people. Now, without the support of USAID, their dreams will become much more difficult to achieve.

Detail of depiction of Julian of Norwich by Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Br. Mickey McGrath (Mickey McGrath)

These 3 childless cat ladies will inspire you

Meet three "childless cat ladies" who can inspire us "to rise above the limitations placed upon us, to seek higher and holier goals than money, prestige and power and to discover the loving presence of God."

"Food Program in Guatemala" by Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Br. Mickey McGrath

3 female saints teach that Earth is our common mother and home

I have taken a fresh look at our concept of the Earth as humanity's common mother and home. Some of my favorite women saints have inspired me with new levels of awareness and understanding. 

Colorful illustration of people walking in airport. Large windows are behind them.

Nurture the spiritual practice of staying present

For Br. Mickey McGrath, airports become giant monastic cells where he can read, draw and mind his own business — "lectio divina and visio divina rolled into one happy hour of prayerful present moment bliss." 

"Be who you are and be that perfectly well": detail from artwork by Mickey McGrath

Is there such a thing as 'woke' saints?

Artist Mickey McGrath favors saints with feisty, independent spirits, saints who seemed to sense that blindly obeying the rules isn't the way to build a loving relationship with God or share God's love with the world.

Sr. Corita Kent's 1964 work "The Juiciest Tomato of All" is seen at the Theological College in Washington Feb. 17. An art exhibit of her works, titled "Beauty and the Priest: Preaching with the Artwork of Corita Kent," was displayed through March 3. (CNS)

Finding God in the art and work of Corita Kent

Perspective: Artists such as Corita Kent creatively reveal the inner workings of the Second Vatican Council as it continues to emerge.

(Mickey McGrath)

Finding the body of Christ in different 'spiritual communions'

Perspective: As the months of pandemic confinement wore on, a whole new monstrance series began to emerge along with revived awareness of just how far and wide God's body actually stretches.

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