He is the only artist I know who will
tirelessly devote himself to helping another artist, without,
envy, selfishness, or expecting a return on his time and effort.
His paper-cuttings, in black and white, are
devotional prayers of beauty, expertly crafted, depicting his
love for God in simple, elegant terms, yet breathtaking to
behold.'
Joan Baez Sr. sent his book, "He's Put The
Whole World In Her Hands," to me, in 1990, or so, and I was
stunned by the work and sentiments enclosed. The words were by
Mother Teresa, and the art was by Dan Paulos.
His new book, "Behold The Women," is the most
comprehensive effort, that I know of, describing the enormous
contribution made by Catholic nuns to our world. It is filled
with moving testimonials, wonderful pictures and sincere
recollections by many notable people. All proceeds benefit the
work of St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art. The books is
available, retail, for $24.95, from St. Bernadette Institute, P.
0. Box 8249, Albuquerque, NM 87198.
Below is an excerpt from my story, "IHM,"
which appears in the book.
...Every Friday morning, at 8 am, we would
hurry into church to the bell-like sounds of the nuns singing
the Requiem Mass. Sister would walk up and down each isle to
teach us the proper parts in Latin, before the Mass began. The
music would float out into the street on those early winter
mornings so long ago...
... Those days of 1960 are gone now and no
more can the sound of rustling habits and dangling rosary beads
be heard in the busy halls and classrooms of St. Philip School.
Never again will life be so simple, so secure, so positive, as
Sister's fervent prayers before 1960 came upon us. Yet, ever so
often, on a cold September morning, I can close my eyes and see
her straightening a student's tie, rearranging a row of chairs,
and hear the strain of "Immaculate Mary" drifting away with the
breeze of change that blows through all of our lives forever.