A dramatic unveiling of a set of portraits took place recently at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, IL.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial of the Viatorian community and Sr. Patricia McCarthy, CND, provincial of the Congregation of Notre Dame sisters, each unveiled newly commissioned portraits of their respective founders: Fr. Louis Querbes, CSV, and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, CND.
They now hang in Maternity BVM Parish, where both communities started their first missions in the United States, back before the Civil War.
“It was a great historical moment,” said Sr. Maco Cassetta, CND.
The portraits hang prominently in the back of the church, reinforcing the role of the founders in the church’s early roots and legacy over the generations.
Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, pastor of Maternity BVM, came up with the idea of showcasing the two as part of the parish’s ongoing renovation campaign.
“It’s important that we do all that we can do to remember and emulate the spirit of these founders and their followers,” Fr. Pighini said. “Not just for our own sake but for future generations.”
Ewa Kostyrko, an artist from Daprato Rigali Studios in Chicago, which is coordinating Maternity’s redesign, was commissioned to paint the portraits.