
21. Faith, Fairytales and Art with Ascension Press Author Izabela Ciesinska: Helping kids find their God-inspired purpose
10/23/24 • 48 min
Izabela Ciesinska, celebrated author and illustrator, takes us on an inspiring journey from her childhood in Communist Poland to her flourishing creative career in Canada, all framed by her profound return to the Catholic faith. We unpack the heartfelt inspiration behind her debut children's book, "The Little Donkey and God's Big Plan," where a single Biblical passage sparked deep reflections on God-inspired purpose and self-discovery. Isabella also delves into her love for European fairy tales, revealing how their moral clarity and enchanting illustrations have shaped her unique artistic style.
Through a Christian artist's lens, Izabela gives her impressions on the controversy surrounding the Olympics' Opening Ceremonies, critically looking at the alignment with beauty, truth, and goodness. Izabela underscores the importance of anchoring art and ambition in service to God and society.
In a beautiful testimony to the transformative power of faith and art, Izabela shares her personal journey back to Christianity. A road trip through Arizona's majestic landscapes reignited her belief in a creator, leading to a spiritual rebirth and a deepened commitment to Catholicism. Her renewed faith not only inspired her children's book but also fueled her passion for introducing beauty and art to children, advocating for creating meaningful experiences at home. We close with reflections on the community's vital role in nurturing spiritual growth.
Connect with Izabela:
-X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/@IZZYpics
-Website: https://www.izzipics.com/
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@izzipix
Connect with Sheila:
- Instagram
- X / Twitter
-Email: [email protected]
- Website
https://veilandarmour.com
https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Please let us know how you liked this episode, and our podcast overall. Do you have a favourite episode? Did something that Izabela or a previous guest said that has resonated with you? Please share with us at [email protected] We will read reader comments on a future podcast!
Please pray for our show, that means a lot to us! If you find value in it and believe it warrants a five-star review, please kindly take 30 seconds now and rate our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to our show. Thank you very much and God bless!
To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
https://veilandarmour.com
https://www.youtube.com/@veilandarmour
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@veilandarmour
What resonated with you the most about this episode? Feel free to email us and let us know!
Email: [email protected]
If our podcast helped you in some way, or could help someone else, kindly share our podcast with a friend!
Izabela Ciesinska, celebrated author and illustrator, takes us on an inspiring journey from her childhood in Communist Poland to her flourishing creative career in Canada, all framed by her profound return to the Catholic faith. We unpack the heartfelt inspiration behind her debut children's book, "The Little Donkey and God's Big Plan," where a single Biblical passage sparked deep reflections on God-inspired purpose and self-discovery. Isabella also delves into her love for European fairy tales, revealing how their moral clarity and enchanting illustrations have shaped her unique artistic style.
Through a Christian artist's lens, Izabela gives her impressions on the controversy surrounding the Olympics' Opening Ceremonies, critically looking at the alignment with beauty, truth, and goodness. Izabela underscores the importance of anchoring art and ambition in service to God and society.
In a beautiful testimony to the transformative power of faith and art, Izabela shares her personal journey back to Christianity. A road trip through Arizona's majestic landscapes reignited her belief in a creator, leading to a spiritual rebirth and a deepened commitment to Catholicism. Her renewed faith not only inspired her children's book but also fueled her passion for introducing beauty and art to children, advocating for creating meaningful experiences at home. We close with reflections on the community's vital role in nurturing spiritual growth.
Connect with Izabela:
-X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/@IZZYpics
-Website: https://www.izzipics.com/
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@izzipix
Connect with Sheila:
- Instagram
- X / Twitter
-Email: [email protected]
- Website
https://veilandarmour.com
https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Please let us know how you liked this episode, and our podcast overall. Do you have a favourite episode? Did something that Izabela or a previous guest said that has resonated with you? Please share with us at [email protected] We will read reader comments on a future podcast!
Please pray for our show, that means a lot to us! If you find value in it and believe it warrants a five-star review, please kindly take 30 seconds now and rate our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to our show. Thank you very much and God bless!
To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
https://veilandarmour.com
https://www.youtube.com/@veilandarmour
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@veilandarmour
What resonated with you the most about this episode? Feel free to email us and let us know!
Email: [email protected]
If our podcast helped you in some way, or could help someone else, kindly share our podcast with a friend!
Previous Episode

20. The Gender Debate, The Feminine Genius and Nuns in Pop Culture with Sister Helena Burns, fsp
Join Sister Helena Burns, fsp, and Sheila Nonato on Veil and Armour as they explore a profound question: Can understanding our divine nature and the Christian perspective shed light upon the ongoing gender debate? Sister Helena brings remarkable insights from Pope Benedict’s reflections on modern rebellion and the vital role of the body in today’s contentious discussions. During this week of Canadian Thanksgiving, we're filled with gratitude for our global listeners, both past and present. We invite women and mothers to join our private Facebook group for a community of shared faith, prayer and growth.
Our conversation takes a philosophical turn as we examine gender, identity, and the body through the lens of ancient Greek philosophers and the late St. John Paul II's philosophy. We consider the friction between embracing our biological nature and the contemporary gender identity challenges and transgender ideology. Sister Helena explores the consequences of resisting our innate nature and reflects upon the personalistic norm, setting the groundwork for a richer understanding of the theology of the body.
We also explore how radical feminism has influenced beliefs and the importance of critical thinking in reassessing these deeply embedded views. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's identity and Christian faith by modeling positive and diverse role models, from historical figures to religious icons. With Sister Helena's guidance, we discuss encouraging religious vocations for daughters, highlighting the inspiring lives of nuns, and providing practical advice for parents navigating media literacy and moral values in a world filled with challenging influences.
To connect with Sister Helena Burns, please visit:
https://www.hellburns.blogspot.com
https://www.x.com/@srhelenaburns
https://www.youtube.com/@UCxGFTGHfbppZF7u3_4Q6rDg
To connect with Veil + Armour podcast:
https://www.veilandarmour.com
Email: [email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/@veilandarmour
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565632921650
Facebook: "Veil + Armour" and "Our Lady's Prayer Warriors" (private prayer group)
https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://www.sheilanonato.com
To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
https://veilandarmour.com
https://www.youtube.com/@veilandarmour
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@veilandarmour
What resonated with you the most about this episode? Feel free to email us and let us know!
Email: [email protected]
If our podcast helped you in some way, or could help someone else, kindly share our podcast with a friend!
Next Episode

22. The Power of Prayer and the Rosary Challenge with Cassandra Verhelst from the Hozana and Rosario App
It's a week before the much anticipated U.S. election!
Do you feel anxious about the election? What's a Catholic response to the anxiety, worry and divisiveness of politics today?
Hozana App is suggesting we turn to our Catholic faith and the Holy Rosary!
In Episode 11: The Rosary - A Catholic Response to the Paris Olympics with Veil + Armour, Cassandre Verhelst, the head of the English Division of the international app said, "An isolated Christian is a Christian in danger."
Let's hear Joseph and Sheila's conversation with Cassandre, who is in Paris, France. They dove into the transformative power of prayer and how, in times of anxiety like an election period, the collective strength of community prayer becomes a beacon of hope. Cassandre shared her unique insights into an inspiring Rosary Chalelnge that aims to unite 50,000 individuals worldwide in prayer, and how tools like the Hozana and Rosario apps are facilitating these global connections of prayer in the digital age.
Our discussion also found its way into the personal realm, as Cassandre shared about her own faith journey. After joining Catechism classes and youth group in the U.S. and in France, she drew closer to the Church, and it was a time where the nurturing community and catechism classes played a crucial role. We also explored the significance of the Rosary, likening its repetitive nature to meditative practices that ground us amidst chaos. Together, we highlighted the importance of introducing this spiritual tool to the younger generation, fostering a deeper connection to faith through innovative methods.
Lastly, we journeyed to Lourdes, a sacred site of pilgrimage that holds special meaning for many Catholics. We marveled at the modern legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis and celebrated the enduring inspiration offered by saints, both past and present. From experiencing the healing waters of Lourdes to witnessing communal acts of faith, these stories resonate with the ongoing impact of spirituality in our lives. As we wrapped up the episode, we extended an invitation to join the Rosary Challenge and connect with our vibrant community, encouraging listeners to share the blessings of prayer and unity.
How to Participate in the Rosary Mission to Pray for America:
Open or download the Rosario app by clicking here.
Select "New group" and then "I have an invitation code."
Enter the code: PRAYFORAMERICA to join this prayer week.
The Hozana Christian Prayer App and the Rosario App can be found at: https://www.hozana.org
or as an app in the App Store
To Connect with Veil + Armour:
- Instagram
- X / Twitter
- Website
Email: [email protected]
https://sheilanonato.com
https://veilandarmour.com
https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://www.instagram.com/veilandarmour
On Facebook: Veil + Armour and Our Lady's Prayer Warriors
To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
https://veilandarmour.com
https://www.youtube.com/@veilandarmour
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@veilandarmour
What resonated with you the most about this episode? Feel free to email us and let us know!
Email: [email protected]
If our podcast helped you in some way, or could help someone else, kindly share our podcast with a friend!
Veil + Armour: Confident Catholic Women exploring Holiness in Motherhood and Daily Life - 21. Faith, Fairytales and Art with Ascension Press Author Izabela Ciesinska: Helping kids find their God-inspired purpose
Transcript
Welcome to Veil and Armour , Izabela Ciesinska . You're an Ascension Press author and illustrator and did you want to maybe start off with a prayer , if you don't mind joining me ? Yes , of course . Okay , let's say the Hail Mary In the name of the Father and of the Son , of the Holy Spirit . Amen ,
Sheila NonatoHail Mary , Full of Grace ,
If you like this episode you’ll love
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