Jubilee of Artists ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Art Exhibition at The Marian Room, St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Warragul, 10am to 2pm weekdays and during this weekend Mass times. Last day 2pm this Wednesday 5th of March.
Take time to be amazed and allow your imagination to step into the artistic minds of our local faith-filled artists at the Jubilee of Artists ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ art exhibition opened by Bishop Greg Bennet last Sunday 23rd February in the Marian Room, St. Joseph’s Parish in Warragul.
The day was truly joyous. It commenced at 11am with the Jubilee of Artists Mass, Bishop Greg Bennet was main celebrant with concelebrant parish priest Fr. Brendan Hogan, and Deacon Mark Kelly. Thanks to many dedicated helpers the church and liturgy was carefully prepared for the occasion. Fresh cut dahlias in white, red and gold from local growers and parishioners gave honour and glory to God. The ‘Timor Leste Choir’ enriched the liturgy with glorious song.
Bishop Greg led the congregation in a beautiful reflective homily that reminded us that in the face of beauty - which is ultimately God - we are each being shaped. The gifted hands of Michaelangelo were said to have been able to unveil the ‘angel within the stone’ we need to allow ourselves to benefit from the outpouring of grace this Jubilee Year 2025 offers. Our Holy Father Pope Francis in the Jubilee letter, directs us to be bringers of hope through the most simple means such as visit the sick, the imprisoned, the lonely, to give of ourselves in this way we are pilgrims of hope. The Bishop asked the artists present to stand and gave a blessing with words of encouragement and a sense of mission. At the close of the Mass Bishop Greg then proceeded to the Marian Room to bless the art displayed, assisted by Fr. Brendan. A special blessing table was arranged by Sr. Rose Duffy with a centrepiece sunken glass bowl, for the water for blessing. There was time to view the art and meet the artists which was a great opportunity. Also, Bishop Greg along with many of the congregation, enjoyed the transformation of the space into a sanctuary of peace and contemplation with the diverse skills and interests of the artists of all ages and experience on display.
After viewing the art and being spiritually and aesthetically nourished everyone was invited to enjoy lunch at the Parish Centre, thanks to the many hands that catered and served.
We are especially grateful for the contribution of Marist Sion College for the exhibit boards and easels, the Jubilee of Artists Committee and of course the generosity of the artists whose time and talents have gone into making this a truly inspiring exhibition.
Don’t miss out! Plan your visit or re-visit! Open weekdays 10am to 2pm, this weekend during Mass times. The Exhibition ends 2pm t5th of March.
