This Real People photography card collection was inspired by my experiences visiting Lisieux in 2009, and Loyola and Rome in April of 2014. These were trips of great significance to me, as I visited the birthplaces of St. Therese and St. Ignatius, as well as the Vatican, with my family. 

 

When I set off to visit the homes of St. Therese of the Little Flower and St. Ignatius of Loyola, and to celebrate the canonization of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII by Pope Francis, I went with great anticipation and experienced the joy of being one in spirit with millions. Unexpectedly, I came home with the enveloping sense that I had just visited the homes of friends. They were each real people, who walked by faith and put love above all.

 

Visiting Lisieux, walking through the home of St. Therese, seeing her toys, journal, her room and garden, made me realize that this beloved saint was once a little girl, a young woman. In the beautiful church by her house there is a plaque with one of her quotes, which reads, “I am your sister and your friend, I will always be watching over you.” A friend indeed.   

 

In the Basque Country this spring, at the home of St. Ignatius of Loyola, I discovered how his life and stories were depicted throughout his home.  From the room where he was born to the table where he ate and the fields where he walked, I witnessed just how real those places were.

 

Our tour of the Vatican was also a way to experience how the transcending power of art enriches our faith. To me, the image of Mary and Elizabeth at the Visitation, who believed before they were able to understand, represents how people can reach out to each other in kindness to bring Jesus and his gospel of love to everyone.  With these cards I hope to share this journey of faith.