Vespers for artists

The world often treats artists as special, exceptional people. For nine years at Regis College the Jesuits have been treating Toronto artists just like everyone else by inviting them to pray.

On the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, artists gathered at the downtown chapel of the graduate faculty of theology to pray the evening prayer of the divine office. The annual artists’ liturgy offers an opportunity for painters, sculptors, film makers, musicians and others to offer their work as part of the traditional prayer.

As an artist who offered a series of ink on cardboard paintings in a slideshow to accompany this year’s artists’ liturgy, Patricia Kambitsch said the occasion did feel very special.

“I am moved by the intention and by the gathering,” Kambitsch said in an e-mail after the event. “I’m really happy about the idea of a vespers, and it’s really great to share like this. To have a space where artists can share in gratitude is really unique.”

The program was initiated by Regis College theology professor Fr. Gilles Mongeau. With Mongeau in Paris on sabbatical, former Regis president Fr. Joe Schnerr led the prayers on this night.

About 100 artists and art lovers came to pray.