As a child, Cecilia Vu enjoyed drawing and could often be found doodling in class, but it came second to orchestra. Only at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic, Connecticut did she expand her artistic boundaries. Art teacher Sister Gabriel encouraged her to try different mediums including gouache, watercolor, and acrylic. Cecilia let God unfold this gift of art within her as she invested in paints and developed her talents. 

While staying in New Hampshire with a friend from school, Cecilia took time to draw and paint. Her friend saw her work and was inspired to share Cecilia’s work with her older sister, who was looking for an illustrator for a new project with Sophia Institute Press. Cecilia had reservations about her ability to meet the expectations as an illustrator. Her dorm-mates encouraged her to take the opportunity and helped her keep up with schoolwork while completing this project. Cecilia sent a copy of a small painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe she had done for Church History class and Sophia Institute Press was impressed with her work but had other artists in the running. After some time, Cecilia was offered the challenge by Sophia Press.

The challenge was 50 drawings of saints for a new children’s book - in two weeks. Cecilia devoted the entire February school break to drawing beloved saints. Among the first of her completed saints were Louis and Zelie Martin, Saint Nicholas and Saint Juan Diego. After an intense two weeks of drawing and some waiting, Cecilia received the layout of the completed book in March. The drawings are beautiful, as are the saints they represent.

Cecilia will graduate from the Academy of the Holy Family this year and plans to enter the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church.

“Receiving the opportunity to illustrate the Storybook of Saints was such a gift from God. It was a joy to work with Sophia Press and be able to share God’s gift with others.” - Cecilia 

By the Sisters of Charity