STORY - "Bishop to be Framed"

Artist Jolanta Lobko went to Rome to see Pope John Paul II, who shared her Polish origins, but in 2008 she will only have to go as far as Sydney to see Pope Benedict XVI. “That will be great,” she said.

Jolanta became aware of the events of World Youth Day Week, taking place in Sydney in July, through attending the Polish Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. She was inspired to become involved in organising accommodation for pilgrims from Poland who will be visiting for Days in the Diocese.

Jolanta was also inspired to ask whether Bishop Michael would consent to have his portrait painted, feeling that he was a worthy subject in this special year for the Australian church.

After a few sittings in which Jolanta found Bishop Michael gracious and obliging, the portrait was completed. She described the Bishop as her most important subject, and said that she hoped to capture “his happiness, his brightness, his generosity.” The portrait has now been entered for the prestigious Archibald Prize.

Tracey Edstein

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