Carving a Prayer

Saint Brother André Bessette, CSC

Brother James Kane, CSC, currently serves as the Director of Technology at Holy Cross High School in Flushing, NY.  He is also an accomplished artist, working in a variety of mediums including watercolors and wood.  His photographs of New York City line the main hallway of our community residence.  Read below his insightful reflection on how an ordinary piece of wood becomes his prayer.

Bro. James carves a pumpkin for Halloween

This is my basswood carving of the face of Brother André Bessette, C.S.C. It is a work in progress; there is no timeline for completion. While carving – or while doing any artwork, like drawing or watercolor painting - I become part of a timeless interlude where my attention becomes sharply focused and a creative spirit controls my hands. Brother André has always been an inspiration to me. Carving his face is a very intimate experience. I find myself imagining that Brother André is with me, almost looking at me. I am reminded how he often repeated that what he did was the work of God and of St. Joseph, not his own. I quickly find myself thanking God for the eyes to see and the hands to create. If the image emerging from this piece of wood can help to raise the spirits of another, can inspire another, can bring hope to another, then I will consider it to be a prayer.