Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI)’s main office is home to many works of art that depict various biblical themes to reflect upon. Many of these works have a warmth and a boldness that often mirrors the IPI’s own spiritual frame-of-mind, so it’s no wonder that these creations line the walls of their space.

In fact, one such example lies in the heart of a painting found at the very front of their office called “The Band-Aid” by Cincinnati artist Sr. Mary Grace Thul, O.P. It has been an important piece in the IPI’s collection for decades now. Being one of the first things you see when you walk in, this print holds a light to IPI’s inclusive, Catholic mission and, inadvertently, can be linked to the month of July, which was all about celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities.

The celebration began with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed on July 26, 1990, and was a major step of visibility for this demographic of people. Looking back on July, it’s worth noting the special connection between this painting, the IPI, and this historic occasion.

The origin of this painting begins with Kathleen Deyer Bolduc and her book “His Name is Joel; Searching for God in a Son’s Disability.” In the book, she describes a vision she had of her son, Joel, and his classmates, all of whom were children with severe developmental disabilities. In the vision, a post-resurrected Jesus visits Joel’s classroom, and the kids welcome the Son of God with open-arms. Jesus is touched by their beautiful sincerity and acceptance. Joel then notices the scars on Jesus’s hands and asks for a band-aid. With a tender affection, he kisses the Lord’s hands and holds them in his own while putting on the bandage. This is the moment Sr. Mary Grace chose to immortalize in her painting.

The context behind this piece is what adds the bulk of meaning to it, since a spectator might not have understood the story by solely looking at it. This is one of the great wonders of art: the variety in what a viewer will receive from the artist and how the individual must exercise their eyes to interpret what they see. However, while raw, visual analysis is a great skill to have, context opens up a whole new dimension. For example, the figures in the background of “The Band-Aid” are just figures until viewers learn that each one was based on a real person with their own identity and story. Learning that Sr. Mary Grace modeled them from a real classroom of individuals with disabilities makes it so much more significant than before. So, with that being said, what else can be taken away from this painting following July’s celebration and the IPI’s own Catholic, global ministry? One reflection could look like this: 

As told by the story, the class welcomed Jesus, regardless of His wounds. They might’ve even seen themselves reflected in Him. The very nature of this interaction displays the innate connection we have to Jesus’ human side. According to Scripture, God made humans in His own image, and through the mystery of the incarnation, fully identifies with us in our humanity. We can relate to Him this way. The disabilities of the children don’t hinder this connection. In fact, the Lord’s wounds might have strengthened this connection by showing that Jesus understood what it was like to have scars, yet still be whole. In addition, Joel’s behavior is wonderfully reflective of the nature of God, who might not immediately “fix” our burdens here on Earth, but gives unconditional love and spiritual comfort through a relationship with Him. Because God sees our whole selves, bears our burdens with us, and understands our individual experiences, we can be confident in who He made us to be. One can see how this perfectly aligns with the spirit of disability awareness, serving as a beautiful reminder that true self-worth is only made possible through Him. 

So, if you ever happen to visit the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and see “The Band-Aid,” remember what you’ve read about it here. Allow the context behind this impactful work of art to ignite your faith. Speaking of her own work, Sr. Mary Grace said her goal was to, “produce art that is contemporary enough to be accessible and widely spread to the people of today (1).” Her words echo the reasoning into why this painting hangs at the front of the IPI office. The world shown in “The Band-Aid” is a world the IPI also strives to create; one that nurtures faith across a variety of communities in relevant ways. One way the IPI does this is through their e-learning platform, The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation. There, prospective students can take individual courses or apply for a certificate program to focus their catechetical studies. One of these programs is the “Certificate in Special Needs,” which prepares and educates adults who want to specifically embark in this type of ministry. The courses in this track give an integral foundation for anyone who wants to create a more inclusive Church. Quality education, unwavering faith, and rich community is exactly how the IPI believes the Church can grow the world into a better place for all. 

The theme for July 2024’s disability awareness celebration was “We Want a Life Like Yours,” and it referred to the dream experiences that are often denied to individuals with disabilities. By seeing these people through the eyes of Jesus & sharing their stories, we can discover what is truly possible with inclusion. Remember, Disability awareness doesn’t end with July. As we constantly celebrate the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities everywhere, we also praise our God, the ultimate comforter and source of our confidence. Let what Sr. Mary Grace said about “The Band-Aid” be our lasting thought: "Jesus, the Whole One, Savior of all our brokenness, for each of us is broken in our own way…knows these little ones as perfectly whole, as they will be in glory for all eternity. It is He who bears the burden of all us on our earthly pilgrimage towards the peace and fulfillment of the Heavenly Kingdom (2)."

(1) https://river-gallery.com/artist/sister-mary-grace-thul

(2) From an excerpt attached to the painting by Sr. Mary Grace O.P. and Dominican Sisters.