Painting Angels of God

In the spring of 2001, I was asked to create some angels for my parish. Having a degree in art with specialization in Interior Design and Display, I could easily draw scenery and room interiors but had never taken a figure study class. I informed the parish representative of this, but she insisted that I give it a try. On the following Sunday afternoon I decided to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and see what I could do.  The first angels came out on paper within twenty minutes.  The next day I decided to try it again.  I prayed, surrendered my will and He brought forth beautiful angels.  Since that time I have been painting Angels, Our Lady, and Christ. 

It all starts with a quiet whisper from God.  Inspiration comes from Scripture, writings of the Saints,  quiet time in adoration, and individuals who share their joys and sorrows.  I sketch the images, transfer them to silk and use dyes to add the color.   

The accompanying prayers are also originals.  The words often come around the time the images are drawn.  For that reason, the prayers and figures are never separated, the two are one message. 

I pray that your heart may grow closer to He who loves you, through these Angels of God. 

                                                                                                            Sandra L. Monier

                            The First Angels

On the right is a photo of one of the original seven angels painted for my parish.  It is pictured hanging inside the front doors of the church.  This angel, along with the others in the set were given to Father Bob Lubic when he was transferred.  The photo below was taken on Christmas Eve at Holy Family Parish in Latrobe PA.  Notice two of the angels flanking the altar. 

The Quecreek Angel

At the time when I began painting these angels, I belonged to a prayer group through St. Barbara Parish in Harrison City.  This group became like family to me.  We affectionately called ourselves "The Faith Cultivators" which was a title derived from a conversation one of our members had with his son.  In this group was a gentleman who was in the core group of people who coordinated the rescue efforts of the nine Quecreek miners in 2002.  This angel was done especially for him and still hangs in his family room where The Faith Cultivators gathered, studied and prayed together. 

Pastoral Ministry and Seton Hill University

In the spring of 2006 I put down the paint brush and enrolled in the Diocese of Greensburg's Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Program offered in conjunction with Seton Hill University.  The program requirements involved classes in Theology and Social Work, plus days and evenings of reflection offered through the diocese.  In addition we were asked to continue with our volunteer within our parishes.  In May of 2009 I graduated with a Certificate, along with a dozen other individuals who also started in the 2006 cohort.  As part of the program all were required to complete a practicum, or internship at a work site of our choosing.  My internship was in the area of Retreat Ministry with the Passionists at St. Paul of the Cross, their Monastery and Retreat House in Pittsburgh.  After completing the internship I re-enrolled into Seton Hill University with the intent of completing work towards a Bachelor's Degree in Theology/Pastoral Ministry Specialty along with a minor in Art History. I begin that phase of my education in the fall of 2009, re-entering as a junior. It was my hope when I began studying Theology that the education would give my work more depth and credibility.  Eventhough the quantity of artwork has diminished since starting school, I can see the quality has risen and continues to do so the more I study. 

My time as a Passionist Intern

The image on this page was created for St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center and the 2008 retreat theme of Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love Never Fails and based upon St. Paul's first Letter to the Corinthians, chapter thirteen.  For prints of this image please contact St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh. (412.381.7676)

The following are links to other work I have done for the retreat as part of my Internship there and the Pastoral Ministry Certificate Program with the Diocese of Greensburg PA and Seton Hill University.

A Reflection for Women -
Practicing the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Love

The Face of Love - Meditation

Women on Retreat in October 2008
from St. Barbara Parish, Harrison City PA