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Local artist’s work selected by National Federation of Priests’ Councils

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
(Email Katie)

The artwork of a Sioux City parishioner was chosen to be the face of the Mandatum Award for the National Federation of Priests’ Councils (NFPC).

Mary Lonergan, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City, was among four artists commissioned by the NFPC to create the artwork for the award and her piece was selected.

“I really felt privileged,” she said. “I was delighted to be able to do this particular piece. It is a commission that will be very dear to my heart.”

The specific idea
When Lonergan was commissioned, the federation sent her a list of specifics for what the artwork should portray – image of Christ washing the feet of his disciples.

It was to be a group scene – not all men or all Europeans – with one of the people depicting Christ washing the feet of another person, male or female. The third person was to be of the opposite gender, either young or old in characteristics and shown helping Christ or standing in awe.

Lonergan created her piece with the help of three live models who posed for her.

“It has been classified as contemporary religious art in an iconic tradition. While it is inspired by traditional icons, color and sometimes in symbolism, my figures are more freely drawn and often based on live models,” said Lonergan.

The media she used was acrylic ink on heavy watercolor. It is an 8x10 piece matted in gold and black with a gold frame.

The award
The Mandatum Award is presented to an individual or organization whose service in the Gospel of Jesus Christ exemplifies the purpose and goals of the federation. It was established in 2008 by NFPC president Father Richard Vega and the Board of Directors to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the federation.

The 41st annual NFPC Convention and House of Delegates took place from April 27-30 in San Antonio, Texas. This is where the Mandatum Award, with Lonergan’s art, was presented to Sister Katarina Schuth, OSF, at the convention.

The inscription with the image is, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:15).

“As I watch that deeply moving part of the liturgy (washing of the feet) year after year and see my pastors, some older and some even with knee problems, reverently and lovingly kneel before their people, it is a beautiful experience,” said Lonergan.

The plan is for the original artwork to hang in the NFPC offices in Chicago, Lonergan pointed out. Reproductions of the art will be part of the award from now on.

Other artwork
Lonergan was an art professor at Briar Cliff in Sioux City from 1965 to 1997. She said when she was teaching, she didn’t have much time to do her work. After her retirement, she began producing pieces again.

“Through the encouragement of Father Brian Hughes, Father Bruce Lawler and Jeff Baldus, I have been producing ever since,” said Lonergan. “It has been a wonderful thing that has happened in my retirement years. It is a gift from God to be able to do this.”

All of her art is religious-based – saints, three wise men, Jesus, Mary, the Gospel writers, etc.

Briar Cliff has also commissioned her to design a work that would show the Franciscan spirit at BCU.

To see more of Lonergan’s art, visit www.contemporaryreligiousart.com.