Reflection for the 1st Anniversary of the Desvaldi Serigraphs Community Gifting Initiative

A year and a week ago today—on April 10, 2025—I gifted the first of many limited-edition religious serigraph prints depicting the Adoration of the Magi by Italian contemporary artist Gabriela Desvaldi. When I was generously gifted these beautiful serigraphs from a family friend, originally with the hope that I would sell them to help continue my education, I was initially unsure how I would undergo this ambitious endeavor amidst my busy schedule. After some thought, I decided to approach these prints with the same philosophy as I do my own artwork, believing that art is a gift to be shared and a way into the soul. Admiring this serigraph also encouraged me to contemplate the story of the Adoration of the Magi. The depiction of this pivotal event is a beautiful reminder of Jesus Christ as God’s gift to humanity, and the source of Christians’ belief and faith. Or course, I also believe that art can empower a connection with others on a common, universal level, transcendent of one’s religious affiliation.

I was inspired to gift the serigraphs initially to a small group of family and friends. This soon led to connections with others who I thought might enjoy them. My recipients—many of whom I had reunited with after several years—were immensely grateful simply to reconnect, even before considering the print. Then they touched base to share their own stories and connections fostered by the artwork. I later began offering my framing services, including the restoration of vintage and antique frames. I could not have possibly imagined the sheer volume of connections and gratitude that would be facilitated through this initiative. It is absolutely amazing how just a small gesture of faith and kindness has made such a profound and positive impact on myself and others.

I also have had the immense fortune of donating serigraphs to prominent places of worship and religious centers throughout New Jersey, including—but not limited to—the Motherhouse and St. Catherine of Siena Convent and Healthcare Center of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell (on the campus of Caldwell University, my alma mater); St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church in Bridgewater; Malinckrodt Convent of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham (where I delivered a presentation on the serigraph to the Sisters); McAuley Hall Health Care Center of the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Metuchen; Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Stone Harbor; and St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. Some serigraphs have even traveled across states, and even internationally! In addition to forging of new connections and spreading this gift of faith for various communities to enjoy and appreciate, I am thankful to the Catholic Spirit, the official publication of the Diocese of Metuchen in NJ, for an article on the story of the Desvaldi serigraphs that appeared in the July 2025 issue.

Later on, I was deeply honored to gift framed serigraphs, dedicated to special family members and others in our lives, to a few churches that are significant to us. The first was St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church in Peapack, where, upon the passing of Mary Anna Molka, the childhood friend of my Grandma E, Fr. John G. Hillier accepted the gift of a framed serigraph dedicated to her.

Next was St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Belleville, where my Grandma E and her late husband, my Grandpa Mike, were married, and where my mom, Uncle Michael and Uncle Dan attended elementary school across the street. We were profoundly touched by the kindness and generosity of Fr. Ivan Sciberras, who not only graciously accepted a framed serigraph dedicated to Grandpa Mike, but also displayed it beautifully during an occasion celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany, for which he arranged its publicity in the parish bulletin for the week of Sunday, January 4, 2026. Fr. Ivan wrote to me, “I am truly grateful…for this beautiful gesture, remembering the parish where your grandparents were married (and the elementary school that your mom [and uncles] attended) while also keeping the memory of your grandfather alive through this beautiful artwork. Fyodor Dostoesky’s famous quote—‘Beauty will save the world because beauty is Christ’—has a special meaning here.”

Then there was St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church in Little Ferry, the pastor of which, the late Fr. Art Humphrey, shared a close bond with Grandma E and her friend Vivian. We are sincerely thankful to Fr. Kevin Carter, for thoughtfully commemorating the gifting of a framed serigraph there with a procession of the work, which took place after a Sunday Mass held the day before the anniversary of Fr. Art’s passing.

Following these was St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Kearny, where my Grandma Peggy and her family were active parishioners, and to which she was devoted for her entire life. Fr. Joe Mancini offered to install a framed serigraph in the new chapel there upon its completion.

As a I reflect upon the amazing journey of Desvaldi’s beautiful serigraph prints (of which I have gifted over a hundred thus far), I hope to inspire others to recognize that none of us are too busy to offer a small act of kindness. The true gift is acknowledging people and connecting with them. Perhaps someone may even be inspired to take your example. Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving. 🖼️🤝🏻🏠⛪️🙏🏻

: The article on the commemoration of the framed Desvaldi serigraph during the Feast of the Epiphany at St. Peter’s Church in the parish bulletin for the week of Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The cover of the bulletin featuring the serigraph.

With Fr. Ivan at St. Peter’s Church.

With Fr. Ivan at St. Peter’s Church.

The display of the serigraph during Mass on Epiphany Sunday at St. Peter’s Church.

With Fr. Kevin and my family at St. Margaret of Cortona Church.

With my mom at St. Stephen’s Church.

The framed serigraph gifted to St. Stephen’s Church.

The framed serigraph gifted to St. Brigid Church.

With my mom and Dcn. Vincent Brigande at St. Peter’s University Hospital.

Holding the framed serigraph gifted to Villa Maria by the Sea.

With the framed serigraph gifted to St. Luke’s Church.

Presenting a framed serigraph to the Sisters of Christian Charity at Malinckrodt Convent.

Holding the framed serigraph gifted to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, in front of some beautiful stained glass windows.

With the serigraph installed in the chapel at St. Bernard.

A wider shot of the chapel at St. Bernard.

The article on the serigraphs in the Catholic Spirit, plus the cover of the issue.

The front cover of the issue.

With several framed serigraphs.

An example of the back of a serigraph with informational signage.