Brother Mickey McGrath, a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for over forty years, brought his ministry of art, storytelling, and social justice for a retreat titled “Finding Beauty in the Margins” to Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center.
Since 2009, Brother Mickey has lived and worked in Camden, New Jersey, where he has honed his understanding of art as a tool for social transformation. His journey as an artist pivoted when he encountered Sister Thea Bowman through a video that changed his life. Watching the video sparked a two-week period of inspired painting, resulting in nine works in a completely new style that launched his ministry of “finding beauty in the margins.”
During the retreat, Brother Mickey shared his philosophy that “beauty heals,” which can resonate across all cultures, races, and backgrounds. His artwork serves as a bridge between the traditional and the contemporary, drawing inspiration from medieval Gothic art while addressing present-day social justice issues.
The retreat emphasized how art can foster dialogue, build bridges, and promote healing in our communities. Brother Mickey asked participants to see their ordinary surroundings with fresh eyes, discovering the sacred in everyday encounters.
His retreat invited participants to recognize that difficult periods can birth new understanding and compassion.
Brother Mickey’s art is available at bromickeymcgrath.com.
