God imperceptibly transformed my soul

We interviewed Éva Pál, a graphic artist and colleague of the Secretariat of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC).

- Have you always been interested in graphic arts, or have you had other plans, too.

I took up drawing as a child. I started with drawing study groups and later I attended a secondary school of arts and took part in art sessions. I lived for drawing, so I found graphic arts. I have ever been eager to broaden my knowledge and take up new things, so I started learning animation at the college. Anyway, it turned out soon that it was not my way. Meaning, I was so disappointed for a while that I quitted that path and changed direction. After a short period of time though, I had to admit – at least to myself – that creativity was really missing from my life.

- You had the possibility to create the altarpiece with Jesus for the closing mass of the Panama World Youth Day. How did this experience change your life?

Although I was brought up in a Catholic community and I attended a Catholic school, I temporarily lost my relationship with God when I became a young adult, but later I found Him again. A couple years later, during the Krakow World Youth Day, I decided that besides being an attendant of these events I would like to do something for them.

When I heard that the main theme of the next world day would be the Holy Mother, I felt that She called me, so I definitely had to go there. I wrote an email to the organisers of the Panama World Youth Day and applied for a voluntary position. I would do any kind of job. Later, I found out that they were looking for graphic artists as well, so I sent my portfolio. As I have already mentioned, I gave up on wanting to be a professional graphic artist by then, and thought that it would be a hobby for me. But that is not how things turned out.

I offered my drawings that I made in Panama to the Holy Mother. I thought that she would certainly take care of me during my career as a graphic artist. I offered my talent and my unrealised dreams to her and decided to finish my graphic artist career after the Panama World Youth Day. However, I often felt that God did not want to disengage me; He kept pulling me back even if I moved out or went far away from Him. When I was not able to refuse His call anymore I entered His way full of fears and rejections, but with true love for Him in my heart.

I had given up on my dreams of being a graphic artist. Though, God imperceptibly transformed my soul and my thoughts. I had the possibility to travel to a remote foreign country and have one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

I thought of this and I felt this in my heart when I was asked to make a drawing of Jesus for the pontifical closing mass of the Panama World Youth Day. Then I realised that it was not easy at all. I thought that maybe I could hide something personal among the details that belongs only to Him and me.

- You mentioned that you applied for a voluntary position on the World Youth Day. What do you think about voluntary work?

Besides World Youth Days, volunteers are welcome for many other events. When I go on a pilgrimage, I always check the possibilities of voluntary work at the destination. I volunteer twice a year in Hungary, for the Nagymaros Youth Meeting. Our environment shapes us and I think that by volunteering I can give something back to the society from my personality and my capabilities. This is a circulation that forms our personality, our relationship with God and our approach to our usual life. I do voluntary work light-heartedly; I get to know good people meanwhile and I smile to God. Of course I cannot be everywhere but I do not even want to. I strongly recommend that youngsters volunteer.

- What are your goals as a member of the International Eucharistic Congress crew?

I was really glad when I was asked to join the IEC crew, but to be honest I was a little bit scared by the challenge at the same time. I am not flawless, but I was given trust and freedom. I love the colours we use. Sometimes I become preoccupied with my tasks and the time flies. Sometimes I work until late evening, but the results of my work give me joy, so it does not matter. Illustrations are made permanently. It is important for me to set a goal which I can achieve by having a strict schedule and frame for it. In the beginning, when I was learning my colleagues and the spirituality of the event, I decided that I set harmony as a goal. I would like to create a nice coherent set of graphic artworks by September.

The Budapest Congress is great opportunity for me. One feels more comfortable at home and it is easier to share the experience with others time after time. If I were not the member of the IEC crew, I would volunteer for the Congress. It will certainly be great, so it would be a pity to skip it.

Source: Luca Kaszab/IEC

Photo: IEC