The talent of the Polish Adam Piekarski, 40, was noticed as he portrayed others in need queuing at the showers wanted by the Pope for the poor near the colonnade of San Pietro. “He draws even ten hours a day”
VATICAN CITY. “Next to the queues of homeless people waiting to use the showers that Pope Francis had opened for the poor near the colonnade of San Pietro, the volunteers saw a 40-year-old every day”. Adam was always there with paper and brush: «He carefully observed people, the needy like him, and then painted their faces. He also worked ten hours a day, continuously ». And then, “at one point we saw his portraits and were amazed by his extraordinary talent. And now we try to enhance it ». Cardinal Konrad Krajewsky, almsgiver of His Holiness, thinking head and operative arm of the Pontiff’s charity, is enthusiastic. Because soon “some of Adam’s works will be disseminated around the world as Vatican Christmas postage stamps”.
Adam Piekarski is a 40-year-old homeless Polish painter. It has often been housed in Palazzo Miglior, a noble building with a view of St. Peter’s donated by Jorge Mario Bergoglio to welcome the needy, managed by the Apostolic Charity in collaboration with the Community of Sant’Egidio. For too long Adam wandered the streets of Rome “victim of alcohol”, until he met his compatriot cardinal near the showers for the poor in Rome. At that point – “about six months ago,” explains Krajewski – he threw the bottle away and picked up sheets and paints. Coming to the “consecration” of the Holy See, thanks to the signaling of the volunteers to the Almoner, who suggested to those in duty to take into consideration the out-of-the-ordinary artistic skills of the homeless.
Thus, the stamps prepared for the Christmas issue are made from two of his paintings. “In the value of 1.10 euros”, explains the Governorate of the Vatican City State, “the Magi who came to Bethlehem to adore the divine Child are represented”. The second value, “from the port of 1.15 euros, depicts the Child Jesus, the Madonna and St. Holy Patriarch ».
Adam explained that «to portray the magi we wanted to draw inspiration from his companions in misfortune. Two are more or less recognizable, the third is not, since it represents them all ».
The Vatican highlights: “With this small initiative, philately wanted to make the Nativity of the Lord more concrete by promoting the redemption of these disadvantaged brothers of ours”.
«And soon his magnificent art will be deservedly known and appreciated all over the planet!», Krajewski exults.
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