Australian Catholic artists create 'The Faces of
Mercy' triptych
(Vatican Radio) As the Year of Mercy draws to a close, a
group of Australian artists on Thursday came together in Rome to perform a work
dedicated to the theme of this Jubilee Year.
‘The Faces of Mercy’ combines music by composer
George Palmer, poetry by author Keven Brophy and artwork by Sydney born artist
Niké Arrighi Borghese. It also draws on the writings, preaching and speeches of
Pope Francis reflecting on the theme of God’s mercy for all of humanity.
The idea for this project originated with the former
Australian ambassador to the Holy See John McCarthy. Over the centuries, he
noted, Jubilee Years "have inspired sacred works" by many great
artists and writers. In a similar way, 'The Faces of Mercy' offers
a reflection on this year proclaimed by Pope Francis, through some of the best
music, poetry and art that Australia has to offer.
Supported by the archdiocese of Sydney, Australian Catholic
University and the Catholic Super pension fund, the performance premiered in St
Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, in October, before coming to Rome to mark the end of
the Holy Year.
The multi-sensory work moves from the themes of despair and
desolation, through pardon and hope, to the final meditations on mercy and
love. The poetry, the music and oil paintings can all stand alone, yet woven
together they form a powerful triptych of differing perspectives on our human
dialogue with the divine.
As well as drawing on papal teachings about mercy, the texts
are also inspired by the psalms and other Old Testament writings, reflecting on
the timeless search of humanity for hope, joy and meaning in our lives.
As Pope Francis prepares to close the Holy Door of St
Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, the performance offers a fitting response to his
call for bold and creative ways of witnessing to God’s mercy in the world.
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