It’s parishioner and artist Gene Bishop’s favorite design—just one of many creations he painted for Holy Spirit Parish in Shields. That banner has been displayed inside the church for many Christmas seasons as part of the church’s decor and for all parishioners to admire.

The decorating committee at Holy Spirit has had the pleasure of hanging Gene’s artwork and banners for many years, says committee member Ginny Nevarez. Each season when Gene’s banners are brought out and hung, Ginny says she’s in awe at the talent demonstrated in creating such pieces, and her faith is renewed.

Gene, now taking time away from his painting due to a recent shoulder surgery and declining eyesight, reflects on his artistry and how it speaks to his faith and contributes to his church community.

“Art has always been a passion of mine. I inherited it from my late father, who was a woodworker,” he says.

As a youngster, Gene drew and painted, and he especially enjoyed drawing caricatures. His senior year in high school, he became “enthralled with the Renaissance artists of Italy,” citing the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and other artists of that period.

“Truly guided by God, they have always been my favorites,” he says.

Blues and pinks in a mosaic print, Jesus with the simple word of “Alleluia” hovering above in yellow, and an all-red banner of Jesus holding the cross are just some of his works. Those banners make an impact in the west entrance of Holy Spirit Parish each time they’re brought out and displayed.

Gene’s art journey at Holy Spirit Parish began in the early ‘70s when his wife, Rose, asked him to assist her with a project. The couple had joined the parish in 1969, and Rose taught the third grade religious education class. She needed several posters and a small banner relating to their studies.

That work was admired, which then led to an idea for banners for the back wall behind the altar of the early church. In 1984, Gene created his first banners—using burlap material, pastel chalk and acrylic paint—for the Christmas season. One depicted the Three Wise Men, and the other showed the Holy Family. Those banners were approved by the parish priest, Father Robert W. Davey Jr., and they are still Gene’s favorite.

“I enjoy bringing an idea to life. I first sketch what is suggested by the priest. I then set up a projector and trace it with a light pencil,” he explains. I really enjoy pencil and ink as a medium, and I prefer watercolor and acrylic paints.”

How Gene came to use the burlap material his banners are painted on: “I don’t know. I found it and the chalk colors I used looked good.”

His talent didn't stop at banners or with paints and chalk. In the 1990s, Gene was asked by Father Bob Byrne to paint the parish’s Easter candle, which is 3 inches in diameter and 4 feet tall. This seasonal project continued for more than 30 years.

“It was a true honor to paint the candles, and I feel blessed,” he says, adding that collaborating with the staff and the priests made the work enjoyable. “My artwork continued with support and suggestions from Father Dave Parch and Father Pete Gaspeny.”

Father Pete appreciates the work begun decades ago.

“Gene is very creative and has wonderful insights,” he said. “He can take a plain white candle and create something unique to Holy Spirit [Parish]. He has a real gift for listening to the themes, figuring out what they are and bringing the vision to life.”

As Gene, who also serves at the parish as an usher, continues to recover from surgery, he reflects on his creative life and the scrapbook filled with photos of all his work.

“We are all talented in one way or another,” he said. “God gave me this talent to share. I hope my work enlightens the Mass celebration for my fellow parishioners.”