Denver, Colo., Jan 18, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- On February 3^rd, popular Canadian Catholic author and artist, Michael O’Brien will be honored by the Denver Catholic Biblical School with the Servant of the Word Award at the school’s yearly gala. O’Brien, who has been a professional artist since 1970, is well known for penning the popular Father Elijah novel as well as the more-recent Sophia House, among others.

Dr. Tim Gray, head of the Biblical School told the Denver Catholic Register that, “To serve the word is broader than just teaching Scripture directly…Michael has embodied the word through his art and his writings.”

“A lot of Michael’s art”, he added, “has depicted scenes from Scripture or spiritual themes from Scripture. In his book, ‘Cry of Stone,’ the lead character, who is an artist, says that an artist must be faithful to the word given them by God. Michael has done this in an exemplary fashion and we want to honor that.”

O’Brien himself created the “Mother and Child Reading the Word” icon that has become the Biblical School’s trademark logo.

The author and artist, who has also written numerous articles on cultural issues--particularly children’s literature--will deliver the keynote address at the February 3^rd gala.  

So far, O’Brien has authored 7 books and, much to his own admitted surprise, his novel Father Elijah, about a priest called by the Pope to share the Gospel with the antichrist, has become a bestseller in both religious and secular markets, having sold over 40,000 copies in hardcover thus far.

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