Hello to my Fellow Art and Faith Pilgrims! After considering several other exciting options for our 2019 Art and Faith Journey with Bro. Mickey Tour, Dave Geen and I have landed on Germany- and I can’t wait to tell you about it.
Several years, ago, in what proved to be a highlight in all my years of art ministry, I taught with Fr. Richard Rohr on a Rhine River cruise which started and ended in historically rich Cologne. Our focus was on the German Mystics, including the greatest one of all: St. Hildegard of Bingen, Doctor of the Church.
Whether you are already a fan and devotee of Hildegard’s, as I am, or if you never even heard of her, you will love the beautiful part of the world in which she lived. My morning presentations will highlight her bountiful creativity, wisdom and courage. She was a larger than life reformer who saw art and music as perfect healing remedies in very troubled times in her church and nation. Thank God we don’t have those today!
David will outline for you the day by day details in his letter, SO BE SURE TO READ THAT!- but our general plan is this: the first half of the trip in and around BINGEN will center on rest, relaxation, and retreat. I will offer my usual morning sessions, which will be expanded to include optional creative activity such as creating a mandala and contemplative photography with your phone. Our tour guide there is a renowned scholar whose specialty is St.Hildegard.
And then there’s COLOGNE, the beautiful city on the Rhine River which boasts amazing medieval churches, modern art galleries, and one of the most beautiful of all the Gothic cathedrals in Europe, which miraculously withstood severe bombing during WWII. While here, we will also explore the life of St. Edith Stein, the synagogue of Cologne, and a bit of the history of Catholic Christian-Jewish relations across time.
I will never forget that first trip to Germany and am VERY excited to return to do even more sketching and painting in your company. The beautiful scenery, the historic art and architecture, the incredible wine, beer, and food, and warm hospitality of the people- not necessarily in that order- all make me very anxious to experience it again- with you!
Peace and Blessings, Bro. Mickey
