Franciscan Artists
Ministry Then & Now
Being Franciscan seems to open the eyes to the beauty all around us and to foster a creative spirit. Friars have been architects, writers, sculptors, and artists in many different mediums.
Then: +Friar Wilfrid Bennet (1928 – 1976)
Friar Wilfrid Bennett was born in West London. He served in the Royal Air Force and had been a student at Hastings Arts College before entering Novitiate at St. Bonaventure in Beaumaris, Northern Wales in 1951. From 1957 to 1973, Fr. Wilfrid served in Parishes in Manchester, Sleaford, Woodhall Spa, and Rye. While at Rye, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip made a visit and Prince Philip commented how happy he was to see the newly appreciated ecumenical spirit among the local clergy.
Fr. Wilfrid was known as a gentle and affable friar in the community. He was a renowned artist of landscapes, portraits, and even cartoons. His artwork was found in our friaries and in different local venues in Rye. In 1976, some health issues arose that led to his death on March 25 of that year.
Many friars today continue to ‘minister and beautify’ the world with art. Two contemporary examples are:
Now: Friar Joseph Dorniak
Like Fr. Wilfrid, Friar Joseph Dorniak has served in parish ministry. Friar Joe discovered his passion for art when he was a child. He entered the novitiate in 1969 and considers himself an “environmental” artist who has created works of art especially for the places where they reside. You can see some of his artwork on this website in the booklet ‘Greccio and the O Antiphons’ available on our Resources page. And, read about his design of a crozier for the Most Reverend Michael T. Martin OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte.
(Read more about his art at https://newsletter.companionsofstanthony.org/newsletters/2018-spring/ministering-and-beautifying-through-art/)
Now: Friar Vince Petersen
Friar Vince Petersen has also served in parish ministry. Now based at Mount St. Francis in southern Indiana, he works with the Franciscan Earth Care and the Franciscan Arts Initiatives.
The Franciscan Earth Care Initiative was launched by the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in 2018. Greening the Mount at Mount St. Francis served as a pilot program which has led to Province-wide and international efforts to promote sustainability, education, and eco-friendly practices.
The Arts Initiative maintains studio and gallery spaces at Mount St. Francis and invites artists of all ages to explore spirituality and creativity. Friar Vince often leads classes, and you can find his artwork hanging on the walls at the retreat center.
In the video below, Friar Vince talks about the importance of being creative and highlights some artwork done by friars.
