Brother Mickey McGrath is a well-known artist and Oblate of St. Francis de Sales whose vibrant, faith-inspired works have touched communities around the world. Known for his ability to blend spirituality, social justice, and creativity, Brother Mickey brings a unique vision to every project he takes forward. His commitment to storytelling and community shines through the mural he created in Clement’s Crossing with the collaboration of students, faculty, and staff. This mural not only represents the values of the Mount, but also displays Brother Mickey’s friendship with the Mount community and his gift for bringing reflection, beauty, and connection into learning spaces.
The construction of Clement’s Crossing, which took place last year, became a great addition to the Mount community. Not only allowing efficient movement across campus, but allowing students to feel a sense of unity to Mother/Sister Clement. Clement’s Crossing serves as a symbol of connection and honor to those accomplished individuals before us.
“The construction of Clement’s Crossing is what inspired the theme for the mural,” Sister Charlene said.
Mother/Sister Clement had immense empathy for the young women here at the Mount, the mural symbolizes her compassion and dedication.
The Dean of Student Life and Formation, Ms. Gina Beren, shared the story behind the inspiration for the mural. During a time when young women often married young, one senior student returned from Christmas break engaged. Many of her classmates didn’t believe her engagement was real, so in order to prove it, she used her diamond ring to scratch words into the glass window pane; sketching, “Sister Clement is Good.”
The original windowpane was preserved because Sister Clements was so beloved and admired, and it is currently kept at the Mother House in the Mounts archives as a piece of school history. The story has become a cherished legend. “Not only putting a story in the books here, but really making Sister Clement that icon, and that legend, that now we continue to tell a hundred years later,” Ms. Beren said.
As students walk through Clement’s Crossing, students are reminded each day of Mother Clement’s legacy, which is woven throughout the school. The mural is a daily reminder of her legacy and contributions towards the Mount.
The mural unfolds as a story of growth across the four years of high school. It centers around Mother Clement, who, among other sisters, founded the school in 1859, and follows students on their journey from freshman year to senior year.
The mural begins with Mother Clement, depicted standing in front of the building releasing the Holy Spirit.
“As we follow the Holy Spirit, we find a girl symbolizing freshman year, holding two rosebuds flowers not fully bloomed yet,” Brother Mickey stated.
It symbolizes the students just beginning their journey. Sophomore year is represented by a dancer, who is celebrating creativity and all the arts that thrive within the community. For junior year, Brother Mickey painted an athlete surrounded by symbols such as a tennis racket, soccer ball, and volleyball representing the athletic side of Mount students. Finally, the senior graduate, stepping forward in heels while holding their fully bloomed roses, representing the culmination of growth and learning. At the end, Joseph appears, carrying Jesus, “Reminding students of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and their guiding call to go to Joseph.” Brother Mickey said.
