A Catholic college student named Annaliese is using one of life’s most ordinary rituals—a cup of coffee—to share her faith online.
The 21-year-old runs the Instagram account @the.coffee.collect, which describes its creator as “just a Catholic college student who fell in love with coffee’s ability to create community.” Her account features coffee, barista life, latte art, and a distinctly Catholic witness.
Coffee With a Purpose
In two viral Instagram reels, the Catholic barista created latte art depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Her work combines careful pours, milk foam, and espresso with sacred imagery that points beyond the drink itself. One reel was posted for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the caption, “‘Behold this Heart which has so loved men…’ Happy Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus ♥️”
But for the young barista, the coffee art is more than a creative skill or an online trend.
“It’s clear that God loves to use the simple and ordinary things to show His greatness.
I’ve been a barista for over 3 years now, and over the years I’ve learned how something as simple and ordinary as coffee can be used to give God glory.
That is what I hope to do—to use coffee to connect with others, share my faith, and above all, give God glory.”
Honoring the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
She first created the Sacred Heart latte art on June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Then, during August, the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she created latte art in honor of Our Lady’s heart.
“I’m hoping to create the Chaste Heart of St. Joseph soon, completing all three hearts of the Holy Family.”
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is traditionally a devotion to Christ’s personal and sacrificial love for humanity. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary similarly calls the faithful to reflect on Mary’s love for Christ and her spiritual motherhood.
For Annaliese, these images become an invitation to prayer in a place many people encounter every day: their morning coffee.
Praying Before Posting
The 21-year-old barista says she prays before sharing each video, asking that the art lead viewers toward Jesus and Mary.
“Before I post each of these reels, I always say a prayer and ask that the hearts of those who see them may be touched by the hearts of Jesus and Mary. I hope that these simple coffee designs point people to something far greater than coffee itself.”
Her viral coffee designs offer a simple reminder that holiness and evangelization do not always begin in extraordinary places. Sometimes, they can begin with a steaming cup of coffee, a thoughtful act of creativity, and a prayer that God will use it for His glory.