"Sister Katie, I loved what I saw on your Web site. I couldn't have been happier. It was as if something I could barely imagine was manifested."

Tanya Cimonetti
Vermont

"I recently acquired a beautiful sculpture of 'Mary at Prayer' by artist Kathleen Aucoin. I was so moved by this piece of art that I felt the need to express its impact on me --and on the Sisters with whom I live.

Kathleen has somehow been able to capture a Mary full of awe and joy at the miracle of her Divine pregnancy ... a woman communing with the LOVE OF HER LIFE. 'Mary at Prayer' inspires me to want to pray more deeply.

Kathleen is a truly gifted artist whose talent has the ablility to change lives. I hope to see her work become more available to everyone."

Sister Ruthann, SCC
Philadelphia, PA

"Katie Aucoin's creativity brings to life the word among us. Through Mary's womanhood, she becomes the container for God and through her outstretched arms welcomes all people to enter into this container to become life ... I believe in Katie and her creative energy!"

Joann Marie Aumand, SCC
Director of Novices, Sisters of Charity
Mendham, NJ

"Mary has arrived.  She came last night but I did not get to open the package until this morning.  I have to tell you that each time I looked at her, I found a new radiance in her face.  It has been amazing for me to see and see again.  I just love her full breasts and big belly, so different from the petite young girl in blue and white.  When I saw myself in the mirror this morning, I appreciated my own hair that is long and wavy.  How bold and daring she is to stand in prayer with her veil not covering the top of her head.  I just love it!"

B. Bonk
Ft. Collins, CO

"Peace and joy! I look forward to the arrival of Mother of Jesus at Prayer. I will indeed pass on your message to all others. You are doing great work ... keep it up!"

Father Jerry Dispigno

"I want to thank you so much for creating the beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother as she was waiting the birth of Jesus.  I kiss her tummy every day and pray for the end of abortion.  She gives me great peace.  God bless you and your work."

Dolores

"Katie Aucoin's sculpture of Mary and Elizabeth ('The Visitation') never even made it to our gift shop, as had been intended. The administrative staff was so taken with it - the detail, the realistic expressions on both the women's faces (wonder on Elizabeth's, joy on Mary's) - that we purchased it on the spot for our retreat center.

Several of our retreat groups have borrowed the sculpture, displaying it at liturgies or meeting. One local church even borrowed it on more than one occasion to stand in front of the altar for a healing service. The 'Visitation' is a treasured work of art at Mariandale Center."

Eileen Keerdoja
Director of Contracted Services
Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center
Ossining, New York

"Kathleen - Your wonderful 'Visitation' is now gracing my office. I have been very remiss in getting to you, firstly to say thank you and wow!!!

Thank you and keep up the wonderful ministry ... Blessings ... your artistic gift is now a gift to us."

Lorraine
Nova Scotia, Canada

"She arrived the end of last week ... I had a meeting at my house over the weekend, where 'Miriam' was well admired. Everyone loved her! I'm so glad I found her! Keep dancing!"

Alice Carrol, OSF
Illinois

"Two weeks ago I walked into the gift shop at Mariandale. One of the first things my eyes laid sight of was your sculpture 'Miriam the Dancing Prophet' . I immediately fell in love with it. I knew I wanted it. So, after a time to think about whether or not I could afford it - I bought it.

I've already used it for a prayer service at my new residence, The IHM Spiritual Renewal Center. It now sits on my dresser and I reflect on its meaning for me many times during the course of the day when I'm there. It is just lovely. Thank you for sharing your creativity with me.

Why do I like it so much? #1, I love to dance, and #2, DANCE is my favorite metaphor for life. So your sculpture touches something deep within me.

Joann Marie Aumand was with me when I first saw it ... Perhaps you know we continue to go to Mariandale every month for peer supervision."

Rose Marie Mozzachio, IHM

"Miriam is wonderful! Such passion! What a feminine icon!"

Flo Christiano, Director of Ministry of the Arts
Sisters of St. Joseph
LaGrange Park, IL

"I have received and been praying with 'The Good Shepherd' for awhile and it has become such a special piece of art to me.  It's amazing how spending time with it calms my spirit and depending on what I may be dealing with in life, I find myself relating to one of the three sheep.  Sometimes I feel like the one looking up for guidance on some issue.  During stressful times I relate to the sheep being carried in the arms of Jesus.  Otherwise I relate to the one with the Shepherd walking right along the path with her.  There are so many other examples I could share.

I will treasure this beautiful piece always and I'm so grateful that you share your God given talent with us. 

Becky Shaffer, Pastoral Associate
St. Matthew Catholic Parish

"It was lovely meeting you; I've admired your work for such a long time. And how happy we are to have your 'Good Shepherd' statue. Everytime I place one somewhere around the retreat house it creates a sacred space."

Janet Corso
Mariandale Retreat House
Hope Gift Shop
Ossing, NY

"Netta showed me her statue of the 'Good Shepherd' on Thursday before we went to the funeral of a friend. And as God would have it, the homily-eulogy was on the Good Shepherd and his search for his lost sheep. The decedent had been searching for God for many years and when she found Him she realized that He had been searching for her and that He had always been with her. This statue will always have a special meaning for me."

Helen Long

Student Nurse
view artwork image and details

"Sr. Kathleen - I'm so happy I was able to purchase the 'Student Nurse' for my dear friend Marie Steward, who will celebrate her 78th birthday on Saturday.  She was my Guardian Angel after lung cancer surgery in late March.  Praise be to God, it was early stage and I'm fine.  I've have my statue for quite a few years and love it.  You work is extraordinary.  Thank you."

Betty Helm

Woman in the Hand of God
view artwork image and details

"Hi Sr. Katie,
Thanks so much for your prompt attention! ... Your work really touched my soul. I have a ministry as a spiritual director, usually with women and ministers, and I plan to add this piece to my sacred space.
Peace."

Anna

"I received a wonderfull gift Women in the Hand.  It is giving me comfort in a difficult time.  Reflecting upon it has made rest in His hand."

Michele