22 Marian Helper • Winter 2023-24 • Marian.org How did this unique publication come about? In 2020, I read Fr. Calloway’s Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. After praying to St. Joseph more to help me find my future spouse (which I did!), I found myself speaking to St. Joseph very much like a friend. Eventually, I was approached by Fr. Calloway to draw this wonderful saint, and miraculously, my first draft became the cover (above) of the book! Honestly, that has never happened before. After discussing some options, Father and I decided the fastest way to accomplish this 80+ page book was to have a shared document between us. He would do a simple sketch of a scene on a piece of paper, write the dialogue, take a picture, and upload it into the cloud. Once I added my sketches and speech bubbles, I would upload it for him to approve or suggest things to edit. Some panels were faster than others, but I would say, overall, it was an amazing collaboration! How did you decide on using the National Shrine as a backdrop? It was Fr. Calloway’s idea. It’s a breathtaking and familiar place for him, with a beautiful side altar to St. Joseph. He imagined a scenario where a family would approach him there after Mass to learn more about St. Joseph. I quickly realized how many scenes would involve the Shrine, and knew I could not draw it from scratch every time. I resorted to some 3D modeling software, which allowed me to capture multiple angles of the Shrine with a simple move of the virtual camera and render some lighting. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to model such a magnificent church in 3D! You depict St. Joseph as a young and vigorous man. What inspired you? Of course, Fr. Calloway’s defense for a young St. Joseph By Chris Sparks Picturing St. Joseph Already in its second printing, The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph is one of the fastestselling books from Marian Press in recent years. It is also one of the most unique: a hardcover graphic novel for all ages written by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, and illustrated in color by Sam Estrada. The novel depicts Fr. Calloway at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, telling the story of “The Ultimate Superhero” to a visiting family, describing St. Joseph protecting the Holy Family, his many titles, and sharing his apparitions at holy places around the world. Marian Helper sat down with Sam Estrada to reveal the artistry behind this remarkable work.
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