WYD posters chosen

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

These two passions of Feeney were merged and expressed visually through a poster he created for WYD 2002 Vocations campaign.

Feeney chose to portray a man taking off his work clothes, revealing his real identity - an image popularized by Superman.

But his character did not reveal a Superman's suit. Instead, his hero wore a Roman collar. Feeney believes that to respond to God's call as a priest one has to strip himself of worldly possessions.

In March, the Youth Commission, together with Vocations Commission launched a poster-making contest. On May 24 the commissions announced the winners from the 22 entries. Ten posters were selected and will be sent to Toronto for display during the World Youth Day.

"The theme of saving the world, of course, came from Jesus saving the world. But growing up I was fascinated by super heroes particularly by Superman, who is willing to do everything just to make the world a better place," Feeney told the WCR.

"Jesus, who saved the world, is more than a superman," said the young man.

He also liked the imagery of receiving a call through the telephone. Superman always gets a call when he is needed somewhere.

For Feeney, receiving a call from God is something that he wanted to consider seriously, particularly the priesthood. "The poster portrays excitement and enthusiasm, where you wanted to throw out everything you have and just go out to help in saving the world."

Rebecca Zak's poster was also selected.

"We live in such a visual culture that I think it is important to communicate through images," said the 20-year old Zak from St. Agnes Parish.

"It is important for me to use my art to express my faith. I just wanted to show the power of God so I decided to use vibrant colours. The image comes alive using such colours."

The tandem entry of Naamah Strandberg, 30, and Ted Leischner, 24, both of Olds, was another winner.

Explaining their piece, Strandberg, said, "We're all salt of the earth and the hand is like the hand of God. The salt, that is us coming from the hand of God, going to earth. The earth was coloured dark because of the reality that the world is becoming darker and darker. But we are called to be the light of the world."

The theme of the WYD itself inspired Leischner. He also thought service to God through different vocations is the binding element of the different posters that were selected.

The Youth Commission chose the top four from the 10 posters and awarded them special prizes. Peter and Ewa Munas, Mark Stanicki of Holy Rosary, Leischner and Strandberg, and Zak were the four chosen.

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