Meaningful Friendship provides beauty in art

Many wonderful friends contributed to the construction of Good Shepherd Hall, which has been a great blessing for Conception Seminary College. The building was designed to feel less like a dormitory and more like a home in which a supportive community lives together in pursuit of a common goal. We determined the space needed artistic touches that would enhance the communal design and inspire the seminarians to make Christ the center of their lives. For this reason, we turned to our long-time friend Fr. Brian Hughes who has consulted the seminary on previous projects.

In the midst of his formation for the priesthood, and after his early years as a priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, Fr. Hughes had the opportunity to take courses in art and was eventually invited by the bishop to receive an advanced degree in architectural history for the benefit of the diocese in future projects. These studies and his own experience of collecting and benefiting spiritually from art taught Fr. Brian that there is a “sacramental principle” to art. These works make present for the beholder deeper truths about the images depicted, and this is further enhanced by the history of the acquisition of the piece. Seeking his consultation for a program of art for Good Shepherd Hall was only natural.

Much to our surprise, though, Fr. Hughes was interested in contributing more than just his expertise. “I was thrilled by the daring of Conception to build the new hall,” he said, noting that the project was a statement of the faith of the monastic community, which was investing in the ongoing success of the seminary. Thus, as he approached retirement and considered what to do with the art that he had collected over the years through various travels and thoughtful gifts from friends and family, Fr. Hughes chose to contribute 191 works for the beautification of Good Shepherd Hall. With the help of Deacon Darwin Messerly, he even hung most of these pieces throughout the building. He also enlisted the support of Mary Ellen Kisting, who donated a bronze statue of St. John Paul II (along with a good deal of exercise equipment for the seminary recreation center).

Fr. Brian states that the “sacramental principle” of art made contributing so many pieces an easy decision. They hold memories “of the people and places where you acquire these things – wonderful things in our spiritual lives,” allowing him to give “a part of who I am to this place I love.” He retains those experiences and graces, but he also shares them so that we may also benefit from them and be more closely united to him in friendship. Thank you, Hughes, for your beloved friendship and faithful service to the Church.

— Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB

President-Rector

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