Upcoming Events

The 3rd Annual Bishop Kevin Birmingham Lecture: April 20, 2026

TEND MY PEOPLE: Exploring Wonder, Science & Beauty

The Third Annual Bishop Kevin Birmingham Lecture will take place Monday, April 20th, 2026. The program “Exploring Wonder, Science & Beauty” will feature perspectives from Brother Guy Consolomagno, S.J., current Director of the Vatican Observatory and President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

Past Events

Rosa Mystica Revisited: Mary in Art & Faith November 6, 2025

We were honored to host our annual Integrating Art & Faith event at the historic Archbishop’s Residence in Chicago—an evening that brought together beauty, reflection, and community in a truly meaningful way. This year’s program, Rosa Mystica Revisited: Mary in Art & Faith, invited guests to explore the enduring presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary as expressed through art, symbolism, and spiritual tradition.

Surrounded by the elegance of this historic setting, attendees engaged in thoughtful conversation and shared appreciation for the ways sacred art continues to inspire faith, contemplation, and connection across generations. The evening was marked by a warm sense of fellowship, thoughtful dialogue, and a renewed appreciation for the role of art in deepening our spiritual lives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members and generous sponsors whose support made this event possible. Their continued commitment allows us to create opportunities that celebrate faith, culture, and community, and also to invest in restoration of art pieces in the Vatican museums. It was truly a joyful and memorable evening, and we look forward to gathering again to continue this important conversation at the intersection of art and faith.

The 2nd Annual Bishop Kevin Birmingham Lecture: April 28, 2025

TEND MY PEOPLE: Between Heaven & Earth: Art, Faith & Care for Our Common Home

This program was presented by Dr. Gloria Groom, Chair of Painting and Sculpture of Europe at the Art Institute of Chicago and Fr. Louis J. Cameli, Cardinal Cupich’s Delegate for Formation and Mission at the Holy Name Cathedral.

The Second Annual Bishop Kevin Birmingham Lecture took place on April 28, 2025, again, in partnership with Holy Name Cathedral. The 2025 Birmingham Lecture offered reflections on the Laudato Si’, the late Pope Francis’ second encyclical, which focuses on the environment and art. The title of the program was “Between Heaven and Earth: Art, Faith, and Care for our Common Home.” Father Lou Cameli, Cardinal Blase Cupich’s Delegate for Formation and Mission, and Dr. Gloria Groom, Chair of Painting and Sculpture of Europe at the Art Institute of Chicago both presented and then took questions.

 

Integrating Art & Faith  November 2, 2024

Honoring the Ten Year Initiative of the Illinois Patrons

Sister Raffaella, together with Cardinal Cupich and Father Lou, provided an update on recent initiatives within the Vatican Museums. In anticipation of the upcoming Jubilee Year, Pope Francis had emphasized the importance of enhancing accessibility to the museums and gardens for a wider range of visitors. The discussion also addressed efforts to improve the overall visitor experience and usability of the museum spaces. Furthermore, Sister Raffaella offered an overview of her responsibilities in overseeing the various departments of the Vatican City State.

 

The First Annual Bishop Kevin Birmingham Lecture: April 15, 2024

TEND MY PEOPLE

This Lecture is dedicated to Bishop Kevin Birmingham to continue his work of serving those in the margins, reflected on his coat of arms with the saying, “Tend My People.” In one of his roles, Bishop Birmingham was the Cardinal’s representative for the Illinois Patrons. Anne Shea, President of the Board, had met Sister Norma Pimentel in Rome and discovered her body of artwork featuring migrants. When Anne shared this with Bishop Kevin, he suggested that an invitation be extended for Sister Norma to come to Chicago. From this the seed was planted to initiate a collaboration between Illinois Patrons and Holy Name Cathedral. When Bishop Kevin passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2023, this event became the First Annual Bishop Kevin Birmingham Lecture.