FIAT Feature: Anthony Ngo

As an art student pursuing the Catholic faith with fashion and sculpture, I’ve grown to use my artistic skills to help build up the Kingdom of God on Earth in an imaginative way rooted in Catholic traditionalism and hope for the time to come by strengthening a future rooted in God both morally and visually. While growing up in Dallas Texas, I’ve always wanted to apply my technical talent in someway but as my faith radically grew closer to Christ after many years of being faithless, my vision for my life completely shifted to making art for our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Nancy and Steve with Ashley!

I currently attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in which although prestigious in name, the culture is extremely far left and anticatholic in many ways which partially inspired my reversion back to Catholicism. This dramatic shift motivated me to create Christ-centered fashion and sculpture both digitally and physically in a way that is visually unique with both classically traditional styled art elements and forms of biomorphic futurism for the idea of living an organic life morally ordered towards God. As my art matures, I hope to continue to assist in building up God’s Kingdom on Earth in my own small way for others.

Describe your FIAT project. What challenge or gap does it address? Whom does it serve? What excites you most about it?

My FIAT project is oriented towards bringing others to Christ through the continuation of my art practice. I have designed a Pro Life necklace and pendant which is yet to be manufactured due to the lack of funding. The pendant of the necklace features Baby Jesus in the womb holding a His Sacred Heart in one hand and a cross in the other to signify that even in the womb, Christ was still King from the moment of his conception.

Nancy hosted her first Advent by Candlelight, gathering 115 women from her parish!

I have also 3D printed a large version of the necklace pendant as a sculpture and I hope to cast the sculpture in bronze which is too expensive for me to fund alone. I have created a GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/e2490d53) to cast the sculpture in bronze so please donate if you want to support the cause! A portion of the proceeds will go to Pro-Life charity organizations.

Nancy and Steve with their children and John at the Colosseum in Rome!

How would you describe your TBP experience?

My life has been deeply enhanced from the trip to Rome in so many rich and charming ways especially with John and Ashley who have inspired me so much by their stellar character and virtuosity for bringing so many people closer to Christ by being his reflection through their actions. The people I have met on the trip have have touched me so deeply with new friendships that continue till this day and onward beyond the walls The Eternal City. The art and architecture of the city skyrockets my inspiration through the roof! Every time I truly think of the beauty of Rome, I become completely floored by its extravagance which reminds me that even the beauty of the city is an extremely tiny fraction of the beauty that awaits us in Heaven. I still feel a flood deeply rich emotions when I truly nostalgically remember the amazing TBP experience I had just last summer of the city and the friends that I made along the way which I continue to keep valuable connections with. I thank John and Ashley so much for the incredible opportunity to grow my faith with the beauty of Italy through Christ who greatly humbles me greatly to my core with love and joy.

Describe a particular moment or story from your trip that you will never forget.

Assisting in carrying the World Youth Day Cross humbled me a great deal because of its weight even when three people including me were carrying it. The real cross that Christ carried was most likely substantially larger and heavier which gives a me new perspective in how I view the crucifixion with Simon of Cyrene assisting Christ.

What surprised you the most on your Immersion?

While being at The Virgin of Revelation apparition site at Tre Fontane, Erica Rebholze, a current TBP alumna, bought me a blue Rosary out of pity for me not carrying Euros in my wallet! I have carried and prayed almost everyday that same Rosary even till this day. Later

that day, Ashley revealed to me that she witnessed the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima which completely astonished me with awe. In a coffee shop, Ashley’s explanation to the group of what she witnessed was so moving to me as well as the other miraculous stories in both John and Ashley’s lives.

Look below to see some beautiful examples of Anthony's art

Here is the link to see more!

Wood Sculpture

Catholic Necklace

Rosary Tray