“From that moment, I knew what I was called to do: to paint the Saints, to share their faces, and to remind the world that holiness still lives among us.“
-KT Mirisha
Before sharing how this journey began, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Father Tom Morgan.
For months, Father Tom had been encouraging me to organize an art exhibition at the Cathedral. At that time, I had no idea what it would become. Then, just a week after discovering a prayer card of St. Charbel of Lebanon - a moment that profoundly inspired me - I was serving at the Cathedral’s information desk when Father Tom asked once again, “When can you put together an art show?”
Without hesitation, I smiled and replied, “Well, do I have an art show for you!”
Only forty days later, during All Saints’ week, Icons Reimagined: Faces of Grace opened in the Cathedral, featuring forty-five original portraits of the saints. It was a tremendous blessing and a wonderful success.
Father Tom, thank you for believing in me before I fully believed in myself. Thank you for opening doors of the Cathedral, for encouraging this vision, and for trusting that sacred art could touch hearts and draw people closer to Christ. Your faith and support helped make this calling a reality, and I will always be grateful.
A Time of Silence After COVID, I fell into a quiet depression - a hollow stillness where my art felt lifeless, and prayer became my only language. I began speaking to God constantly, pleading for direction, for meaning, for light. But for a long while, there was only silence.
A Sign
Then one night, I watched a film about St. Charbel of Lebanon, a Saint I’d never heard of before. His faith moved me deeply - and something within me stirred. Moments later, while speaking to my dear friend, Father Robert ‘Bob’ McGovern, my eyes wandered to an old prayer card tucked in my mirror. I had assumed it was Padre Pio, but when I looked closer, I froze - it was St. Charbel. I had no memory of how it got there. That was my sign.
The Calling
From that moment, I knew what I was called to do: to paint the Saints, to share their faces and to remind the world that holiness still lives among us.
Guided by Father Bob’s wisdom and stories, I painted St. Therese of Lisieux next - and in that act, my purpose became crystal clear. God had heard my prayers.
Today, I continue to paint as many Saints as I can, each portrait will introduce someone to a friend in heaven. Through Faces of Grace: Icons Reimagined, I hope these portraits inspire others to discover the Saints, deepen their faith, and remember that holiness still lives among us
May these faces inspire you to find a friend in heaven, just as I did.
-KT Mirisha
KrisTina with her dear friend, Father Robert McGovern, Retired Missionary of Africa
Thank you to Father Tom Morgan & Father ‘Bob’ McGovern
