Painting the Faith with Broad Strokes

The fine art of evangelization

Recently, a regional arts and culture festival gave me an opportunity to evangelize and to explain some of the tenets of the Catholic faith to some non-Christian friends from Japan. This weekend included an eclectic mix of art shows, theatrical performances and musical concerts conducted in museums, theaters and churches throughout the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Best of all, the events were free of charge. Because my friends are in the United States for just a few more months and welcome every American experience, they were eager to attend as many of these events as possible.

We decided to attend a chamber music concert at the magnificent St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky. Listening to the lovely music, my friends were enchanted by the grandeur of the century old Gothic basilica. Following the concert, they wanted to look more closely at the basilica’s renowned artwork, stained glass windows and architecture. 

They marveled at the massive and extraordinary stained glass windows, the incredible mosaic Stations of the Cross, the soaring ceilings and the enormous pipe organs. Fascinated, they were eager to learn about the significance and meaning of everything they were seeing. 

While we examined the 14 beautiful Stations of the Cross, I explained that they depicted the passion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. By His death and resurrection on the third day, Jesus redeemed the entire world — even people who don’t know about or believe in Him. After giving them time to more closely examine the mosaics, we proceeded past the ornately carved pulpit. I explained that this was where the Word of God was proclaimed during Mass. 

Sensing this space was special, my friends inquired about the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the ornate golden Monstrance on the altar. I explained this was the heart of the basilica, because the Monstrance contained the Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics receive during Mass. I elaborated, saying that Catholics believe the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ — the food and drink of everlasting life. Jesus told us so in the Bible. Although the entire basilica is holy ground, this section is the holy of holies, because it contains the Blessed Sacrament. They nodded in silent reverence.

When they asked about the confessionals, I explained that Jesus knew we would sin and would need forgiveness, so He gave His apostles the power to forgive sin. This power has been passed down through the ages to our priests today in our Sacrament of Reconciliation. Whenever I go to confession, I go in weighed down with the heavy burden of my sins, and come out almost floating; I’m free and relieved of the weight and guilt of my sins. 

“Wow,” exclaimed my friend, “That’s really great! Everyone could use that!”

As we walked to our cars, my friends looked back at the basilica and commented that the exterior looks like Notre Dame in Paris. When I confirmed that it was designed to look like the great French cathedral, they said they’d definitely return on another day to take a guided tour. They wanted to learn more about this beautiful and interesting place. Hopefully, they’ll also be learning about the Faith that built it.
Cora Shields, Cincinnati, OH

Cafeteria Romeo

Recently, I was standing in line at a cafeteria, waiting to get in. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a very attractive blond woman glancing at me. As my ego quickly inflated, I tried to play it cool — pretending not to notice her attention.

After a few minutes of telling myself, “You’ve still got it, Doug,” I spied her turning and walking towards me. As she was approaching, she reached into her purse and pulled something out. I leaned forward and noticed (to my ego’s disappointment) she was taking out a tract.

“Here’s something for you. Don’t worry, it’s not about religion — it’s about Jesus Christ.”

“Oh . . . uh, thanks,” I replied smoothly. “But I’m already a Christian.”

“Great,” she said. “You can pass it on to someone else.”

As I looked at the front of the tract, I noticed in bold letters: “Jesus Christ is not a religion — He is REAL!” 

“Wait a second,” I said to her. “Isn’t Christianity a religion?”

“Not at all,” she replied, smiling. “Christianity is about having a relationship with Jesus. It’s not about rules and regulations and stale rituals.”

“Well, isn’t a religion just a system of beliefs and practices about God?”

She thought for a moment and then said, “Yes, I guess so. But Christianity isn’t a religion.”

“But isn’t Christianity a set of beliefs and practices about God? I mean, they’re true beliefs and valid practices, but they’re still beliefs and practices, right?”

Dead silence. “I guess so,” she finally replied.

“Well then, Christianity is a religion, then.” I let my point sink in.

“I’ll think about that,” she said, smiling weakly, and walking away.
Douglas Betts, Camden, NJ

I wonder if they held him over the baptismal font

It can take a long time for the seeds of evangelization to germinate —sometimes, almost 100 years. This was the case with a fascinating 104 year-old man our pastor told our congregation about a few months ago. 

Sometime last year, Fr. Ed was called by this gentleman’s hospice caregiver. She asked if Father would visit her elderly client — a non-Catholic. Although the man had specified a Catholic priest, he emphasized that the priest be told this was just for visiting; the priest was not to try to “convert” him. In his characteristic good humor, Fr. Ed agreed.

When he arrived for his first visit, Fr. Ed found a man whose body was obviously wearing out, but whose mind was sharp and clear. After making sure Fr. Ed understood the “no converting” stipulation, he began to tell his intriguing life story. 

Over the next weeks, the ailing man recounted the historic events of the past century, and where he was at the time. His lifelong career repairing, installing and consulting on heating systems ended when he retired at age 80. All alone in the world, he’d outlived all his family and friends. Still, he wasn’t bitter and had no complaints. His had been a good life — full and long.

After visiting him for some months, Fr. Ed couldn’t resist asking the gentleman why he’d asked for a Catholic priest and not a clergyman from another denomination. “Because,” he replied, “over the years, I’d been called to work on heating systems in various Catholic churches, schools or other facilities, and I always found the priests to be very interesting people.” 

Many months passed, and after having exhausted all other topics, the man turned to Fr. Ed and said, “Okay, now tell me about this Jesus.”
And so, the man’s unconventional catechesis went on. Sometimes, his health would take a downturn and Father would wonder if he had much time left. But his friend always pulled through, and their visits continued. One day last month, when Fr. Ed arrived, the man turned to him and announced, “I’m ready.” He wanted to be baptized into the Catholic faith. 

Fr. Ed’s voice cracked the Sunday he told the packed church about this profound experience. He’d baptized hundreds and hundreds of people in his many years as a priest, but none had touched him as much as this 104-year-old child of God.

Every few weeks, Fr. Ed gives us an update on his new Catholic friend. At this writing, he’s still on this side of glory and is doing well. 
E. Jones, Florence, KY

Send your random access encounters to, “Random Access,” Envoy Magazine, P.O. Box 640, Granville, OH 43023; or e-mail them to editor@envoymagazine.com. 

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