Marian art show and urban pilgrimage at Star of the Sea
By Christina Gray
Star of the Sea Parish is the epicenter for Marian devotion in San Francisco this weekend as it hosts a three-day Marian art show, a talk on the pastor’s upcoming book on Marian apparitions, and local pilgrimage in Mary’s honor.
Marian art
This is the fifth year the Inner Richmond District parish has hosted the art show featuring the art of Stella Maris Academy students as well as 15 up-and-coming artists from around the country.
The artistic representation of Mary has inspired believers for centuries across continents, continuing to serve as a “comforting model of sacrifice, love, and fidelity,” said Mariella Zevallos, director of communications and parish life. A fine artist herself, she introduced the exhibit five years ago.
Zevallos said the show highlights the enduring relevance of Mary in contemporary art, presenting her as a “spiritual fount for artists of all ages.” She said the many faces of Mary in the works reveal diverse styles and cultural perspectives.
“Together, these works illustrate the richness and diversity of the Marian artistic tradition,” said Zevallos. “They show how sacred art continues to adapt to new times, places, and cultures, all while preserving what matters most — a deep love, reverence, and devotion to our Mother Mary.”
This year’s exhibit also includes copies of Marian artwork produced in China in the 1930s and 1940s at Fu Jen Catholic University run by the Society of the Divine Word and published in a book in 1950. The pieces were donated by Father James Liebner, SVD.
The exhibition opens on Friday, May 1, and concludes on Sunday, May 2.
“Mother of the Light” talk
The art show in the auditorium coincides on May 1 with a 1 p.m. presentation by Star of the Sea pastor Father Joseph Illo in the church. Father Illo, who recently completed his first book, “Star of the West,” a history of the parish, will speak about the subject of his next book, “Mother of the Light: 16 Apparitions of Our Lady.”
Last year, the parish unveiled its Shrine to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the collective name for the parish’s 16 individual shrines to Mary from around the world. Father Illo will sign copies of “Star of the West” after his talk with a second signing after a 6 p.m. sung Latin Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
The book is available online at starparish.com.
Walk to Mary urban pilgrimage
On Saturday, May 2, Star of the Sea Parish will be the starting point for an urban pilgrimage through the city in Mary’s name. Walk to Mary Across America is a cross-country pilgrimage to Marian shrines and devotional sites. The San Francisco leg is a 1.5 mile walk from Star of the Sea Parish to the Carmelite Chapel and Monastery of Cristo Rey followed by a noon Latin Mass celebrated by Father Illo.
For details, visit starparish.com
