Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo Honors 2 More With Tapestries

From the Toledo Blade:

When members of Toledo's Corpus Christi University Parish commissioned California artist John Nava to create 10 tapestries for their sanctuary, they didn't realize until the artworks were hung in 2004 that there was room for more.

"It was only after we had the 10 up that we realized something was missing, that we should have 12," the Rev. Jim Bacik, pastor, said. "That happens a lot with lay folks in the art world."

The church, which has 2,400 members, voted to select the two new additions, [ED.: How very democratic of them.] and after several ballots picked St. Francis of Assisi and Kateri Tekakwitha. St. Francis, born in 1181 in Italy, is one of the most well-known saints, while Tekakwitha, a Native American member of the Mohawk tribe from the 1600s, is a "blessed," which is a preliminary designation before sainthood.

Unveiled this week, the two additional artworks join the previous 10 honorees whose images were placed in chronological order, alternating male and female: Mary of Magdala, Augustin [sic] of Hippo, Monica of Tagaste, Francis of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Thomas Aquinas, Teresa of Avila, Mondas Gandhi, Kateri Tekakwitha, Pope John XXIII, Elizabeth Seton, and Oscar Romero.

"It is a very inclusive group," Mr. Nava said. "I like that they are from Africa, India, and South America, as well as Europe and North America." [ED.: Please go to the link and scroll down to see a photo of the likeness of Augustine of Hippo. If by "inclusive" they mean including historical innacuracies, they've succeeded.]

Father Bacik said among the finalists were Hildegard von Bingen, a patron saint of musicians; Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, and Thomas Moore [sic].

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