In the serene city of Bangalore, the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) hosted a significant and inspiring event, a gathering of Indian Catholic artists held from February 26 to 28, 2025. This convergence of creative minds and devout hearts unfolded as a beautiful symphony of faith and artistic expression.

The event commenced with a profound invocation of the divine through a reading from the Book of Maccabees (5:3:12). In a gesture rich with cultural symbolism, the inauguration was marked by the lighting of a traditional lamp, an act carried out with grace and reverence by Fr. Sahaya Belix, the resource person, the sisters, and all the participants. This symbolic illumination set the stage for the enriching days that followed.

The subsequent discourse centered on the profound significance of art, recognizing its power to convey spiritual truths and evoke deep emotions. A noteworthy highlight was the acknowledgment that the year was being celebrated as a Jubilee Year dedicated to artists. The gathering also paid homage to Pope Francis, who himself is an artist, underscoring the intrinsic link between faith and creative expression within the Catholic tradition.

Several core themes emerged as central to the gathering:
• A Sacred Pilgrimage of the Soul: Art was envisioned as a spiritual journey, a means of exploring and expressing the depths of faith.
• The Heart's Eloquence: The image was seen as a powerful conduit for communicating the innermost sentiments of the heart, transcending the limitations of language.
• The Divine Vision: The ultimate aim, the "telos" of artistic creation, was understood to be the expression and contemplation of the Kingdom of God.
A pivotal session featured Fr. Sahaya Belix, who eloquently elucidated the profound connection between artists and God's creation. He explored the unique role of artists within the Christian context, emphasizing their capacity to interpret and represent the divine through their creative gifts.

The venue itself, the Church nestled within the NBCLC complex, was a testament to the power of art to inspire awe and reverence. Its artistic design and the interplay of light and space were described as deeply captivating, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the gathering.

Each day of the event was meticulously structured to foster artistic and spiritual growth. Grounded in the Word of God as expressed in the daily Church liturgy, the program aimed to encourage artists through various means. This included

contemplation, fostering a spirit of acceptance, cultivating interpersonal connections, and nurturing a deeper understanding of human relationships.

Over the three days, the artists were provided with ample resources and encouragement to give form to their creative visions. A central activity involved the creation of artworks that depicted the sacred symbols of Jesus, interpreted through the rich lens of Indian culture and the unique perspectives of each artist. These artistic expressions, born from a fusion of faith and cultural identity, were presented on the third day.

The culmination of the gathering was a vibrant exhibition of the artists' creations. The morning of the final day was graced by the presence of Fr. Nyson, the Assistant Director of NBCLC, VIPs, and Rev. Fr. Sahaya Belix, who formally inaugurated the exhibition and honored the artists with the presentation of shawls. All participating artists received certificates in recognition of their contributions. The VIPs further enriched the experience by offering insightful explanations of the artworks, tracing the narrative of salvation history from creation to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, accompanied by visual representations.

The organizers demonstrated exceptional care and hospitality throughout the three days. The Sisters that all participants were well-provided for, with ample food, tea, and other essential amenities. The atmosphere was characterized by warmth, respect, and a spirit of camaraderie. The event concluded with a joyful gathering of all participants for a group photograph, capturing the shared experience and the bonds forged during this enriching time.

The report concludes with heartfelt expressions of gratitude to Rev. Fr. John Baptist, the Director, and Fr. Sahaya Belix for their instrumental role in orchestrating the event and to God for His divine inspiration and blessings. This gathering of Indian Catholic artists stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate faith, celebrate culture, and foster a sense of community.