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St. Katharine Drexel Parish on Louisiana Avenue is putting an artistic touch on its third anniversary celebration in October. Parishioners commissioned a portrait of its namesake by Haitian-born artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre, now living in New Orleans, and have kicked off a pledge drive to pay for it.
“We would like to present the portrait at the celebration,” said Jill Benoit, a member of the commemorative portrait/shrine committee.
It took a year for parishioners to solidify the form by which they would honor the saint, who was canonized Oct. 1, 2000 – either in a sculpture, as an icon or a painting.
No matter where they turned, anniversary committee members found unmistakable connections to Jean-Pierre and the saint. He’s Haitian, and there’s a Haitian Catholic community in the parish. He has exhibited his work at Drexel University in Philadelphia. He is Catholic and a fervent supporter of Katharine Drexel’s mission to improve humanity, especially through educating African and Native Americans.
Connection with artist
“I felt from the very beginning you were destined to do her portrait for us,” committee member Patricia Locure told Jean-Pierre.
“What I felt when I was approached to paint the painting, it was history, and history is one of my favorite subjects,” said Jean-Pierre, who is known for documenting Haitian history in his paintings. “When I am painting and think about her monumental importance, it increased my interest further. I went to the library and read about her, and I felt more enthusiastic about the subject. I found out her grandfather was an artist from Austria. … I thought his story was my story. We had so much in common. All these connections connected me to the project.”
Jean-Pierre read biographies on St. Katharine’s life, namely “Katharine Drexel, a Biography” by Blessed Sacrament Sister Consuela Marie Duff, and a 1991 Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament centennial booklet. He also traveled to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Motherhouse in Bensalem, Pa., and spoke with two nuns who knew Katharine Drexel and archivist Sister Stephanie Morris, Ph.D.
“I learned that Mother Katharine was not only very generous and had a very gentle spirit but, at the same time, she knew how to get things done,” Jean-Pierre said.
Jean-Pierre first exhibited in Louisiana in 1991 and said the soul of New Orleans compelled him to move here in 1995. Just 10 years later, Hurricane Katrina flooded his Gentilly home, destroying art, his book collection and accolades. He has painted Marie Laveau for the George and Leah McKenna Museum of African- American Art in New Orleans and has displayed works in galleries and has been published. His Haitian Revolution series prompt comparisons to French artists Eugene Delacroix and Jacques-Louis David.
While he won’t reveal details about the finished painting, Jean-Pierre did say he will portray Katharine Drexel in her mid-30s to 40s but it won’t be a typical portrait.
“We asked him to deviate from a normal portrait,” Benoit said, adding that those familiar with Drexel recall her image in a nun’s habit.
“I am trying to put her in a frame of reference, what she was doing at that time, the people she met,” Jean-Pierre said. “She is the focus, and her Louisiana connection will be captured.”
Touched all people
Jean-Pierre thinks St. Katharine Drexel’s passion for life, education of the less fortunate, work toward equality and her love without distinction made a difference in the world. He said the finished portrait would not only beautify the church but also reflect her work.
“I want people to walk away with a global sense of fraternity,” Jean-Pierre said, “to see the painting as a mirror that shows not only love, but unity, a passionate love to help one another and how collective strength is essential in our society. … Think about all the people she helped.”
Jean-Pierre believes it’s what one does for others with his or her talents that makes a life great. St. Katharine Drexel opened, staffed and supported approximately 60 schools and missions, including Xavier University of Louisiana in 1925.
“When you think of Katharine Drexel’s life, we all, in some way, benefit from what she did with her fortune,” he said. “She was selfless. As an artist, I felt that my contribution is to paint her. I will do my best to honor her.”
Expanded vision
Jean-Pierre was originally commissioned by the parish to paint a 50-inch x 70-inch oil on canvas. But as he learned how St. Katharine Drexel had “given so much of herself for the humanity of others,” he decided he could better embody who she was in a larger, 100 inches tall x 78 inches wide work.
“I feel as an artist, I should give my part,” he said. “As a commissioned work, even though it is more work for me, I will double the size.”
Parishioners, many of whom were educated at New Orleans schools founded by St. Katharine Drexel’s Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament religious order, were excited to learn the news. A spot inside the church has been selected to hang Jean-Pierre’s work.
“We can handle it; the wall can handle it,” an elated Locure said about Jean-Pierre’s larger canvas.
“It’s going to make a great impression for us to see it life-size,” committee member Aletha Coleman said, “and walk by and see a human person there.”
The portrait is the first step the parish plans to honor St. Katharine Drexel. The committee also is working to establish a shrine, Benoit said.
Christine Bordelon can be reached at cbordelon@clarion herald.org.
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