2017- 2018 

In 2017, I attended the Prayer Experience Retreat held at the CSC, where I was introduced to using journaling, sketching, and art as part of meditative prayers with Holy Scriptures. The facilitators provided a wide spectrum of art materials for retreatants to use during each prayer session. During one of the meditative prayer sessions, I created my first small sculpture in plasticine. I named the piece “In Jesus Hand,” feeling cradled as a joyful neophyte in His crucified hand.

Shortly after the retreat, on December 19th, 2017, I began incorporating sketching into my daily morning prayers while contemplating the scripture readings from the Missal. I vividly recall the scripture of that day: “Your prayer has been heard” (Luke 1:13). Conversing with Him through sketches while reflecting on His Word deepened our relationship. The demands of daily life and work commitments, which once distracted me during prayers, became opportunities to learn to surrender my heart and mind. These sketches serve as reminders of His teachings throughout the day. 

Encouraged by my wife, I started sharing these sketches on social media and received further encouragement to participate in the Angelico Art Award in 2018. My submission, titled “Daily Reflections,” consisted of a collage of 70 selected pieces from my daily reflections’ sketches, arranged below the silhouette of Jesus on the Cross. To my surprise, the artwork received an Honorable Mention, and it gave me tremendous encouragement.

Since then, artistic expression through sketching has remained an integral part of my meditative prayers with Holy Scriptures. The creative use of imagination allows me to engage with God’s Word in a unique and profound way, deepening my faith and understanding. 

Through art, I discover solace, joy, and a silent language of longing and prayer to the divine, transcending words. 

May 9th, 2024