The statue of Mary and Jesus and the statue of St. Joseph were severely damaged in the fire. Despite the damage, you can still clearly identify the statues. We thought Jesus’ head had been lost in the fire, but Ruth Glenboski was determined to find it and dug through the debris until she found it. (It had not been recovered at the time of this picture.)
There has been some discussion about what we should do with the statues. There are those who would like to try and preserve them and find a place for them, perhaps in a prayer garden, and there are those who think they would only serve a bitter reminder of the fire. Let me know what you think or if you have a better idea, please share it with us.
Can you imagine the number of children "encouraged" by their moms over the years to stand next to these statues for that special First Communion or Confirmation photo?
ReplyDeleteThey are as much a part of our history as the Church itself. Please, please try to preserve these beautiful statues...
Special prayers and thanks going out to those who worked so hard to save the Church - and to those working now to restore it.
I think they should definitely be preserved. They are part of our history. Yes, the fire was tragic - but I wouldn't refer to it as bitter memories. My memories will always be of how this parish has handled the situation with such positive attitudes. And a lot of credit needs to be given to Fr. Carucci for that. He truly served as "Pastor" even during the fire as he stated to the news crews that everything will be okay. It's a building and it can be replaced. The Church however is the community and we'll be fine. And we are. Less than 48 hours after the fire, the school cafeteria was transformed into a chapel and the school Mass was celebrated. My vote - save the statues.
ReplyDeleteThe statues are a wonderful reminder of the spirit of our faith....even a fire could not destroy it.
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