LGBT Christians have seldom seen themselves reflected in histories of their faith, but a new installment of paintings at Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House reveals that same-sex attraction and departure from gender norms were not uncommon among the most revered saints and martyrs.
Bonaventure House hosted a celebration April 13 to present the artwork to the public.
Commissioned by local pastor Father Dennis O'Neill, the 21 paintings all represent holy icons who historically have been marginalized by the Catholic Church. For example, Saints Sergius and Bacchus were officers in the Roman army whose romantic devotion to one another was clearly recorded in early Greek manuscripts, circa 303 A.D. Although homophobia later took root, these manuscripts indicate a widespread acceptance of homosexuality in the earliest centuries of Christianity.
Other art features the "Patrons of the AIDS Epidemic"; Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz; Saint Joan of Arc; Holy Priest, Anonymous One of the Sachsenhausen ( from the Nazi concentration camp ) ; Saint Wenceslaus ( Vaclav ) and Podiven, His Assistant; and many more.
Bonaventure House is a fitting home for this gallery of overlooked figures. Founded in 1989, the agency provides service and spiritual care to Chicagoans who in many instances have themselves been marginalized as a result of HIV/AIDS. By demonstrating the significant contributions that sexual and gender minorities have made to Christian tradition, the paintings will allow the residents of Bonaventure House the opportunity to view their own spirituality in a new way.
"I just think it's inspiring," said Cheryl Potts, executive director of the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry, "for the residents to come in during their meditations or reflections, and be surrounded by these individuals who have done wonderful things with their lives."
Three artists ( William Hart McNichols, Lewis Williams, and Robert Lentz ) created the paintings.
Michael Leppen and Christ Church of Winnetka also contributed to the installation, which was sponsored by the LGBT spirituality center The Living Circle.
O'Neill is the author of Passionate Holiness: Marginalized Christian Devotions for Distinctive People. Many of the icons are in his book, with full descriptions of their lives. He has ministered for many years to the LGBT community.
