MONROE - A significant piece of artwork honoring Monsignor Thomas Campion arrived at about noon Monday at St. Victor Church.
It is to remain shrouded in mystery and anticipation until 2 p.m. June 6, when it will be unveiled and blessed. The liturgy of unveiling, dedication and blessing will be at the front of church, where the statue has been placed on a base at the edge of the patio.
Bishop William Bullock is scheduled to attend the unveiling ceremonies.
As part of St. Victor's 150th anniversary celebration, the statue gives honor to an important part of the parish's life for nearly 40 years, the Apostolate to the Handicapped program and to Monsignor Campion.
Donated by Skip Brennan, a member of the parish, the statue is the work of sculptor Jerry McKenna, Boerne, Texas.
"The (Apostolate) program has had an amazing effect on the entire community, and Skip wanted it as a memorial to Monsignor and all the people in the area," Father Mike Klarer said, Monday.
People, both young and old, have been a part of the ministry of "Campion's Champions" for generations.
Monsignor Campion brought the Apostolate to the Handicapped with him when he came to Monroe in 1971.
Since that time, the people of St. Victor and the surrounding area have provided a home for the program that not only cares for the elderly and handicapped, but also provides spiritual opportunities for others, especially youth.
Young people push wheel chairs at Monroe High School and participate in the televised Apostolate to the Handicapped Mass, as well as promote the organization's "Campion's Champions" slogan and logo on a variety of T-shirts.
"Many people have gone into working with the handicapped and elderly because of this program," Klarer said.
He said his own vocation was influenced by the Apostolate. Klarer has been involved with the program since he was a senior in high school and during his seminary training.
McKenna is notable in the area for his statue of Barry Alvarez at Camp Randall, Madison. But, he also has national accolades, particularity in the sports world.
He was named the 2003 Sports Sculptor of the Year by the All-American Football Foundation in recognition of his seventeen portrait busts in the Pro Hall of Fame. McKenna has also produced a sculpture of Knute Rockne, which stands in the College Football Hall of Fame, sculptures of Charles A. Comiskey at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Frank Leahy and Moose Krause at Notre Dame Stadium, Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch for the University of Wisconsin and many others.
He has also done several religious art pieces for churches in the United States. In 1987, he was chosen to create the Processional Cross for the mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II in San Antonio.
A former Air Force officer and decorated Vietnam veteran, his early recognition came from his bronze portraits of famous Air Force leaders such as generals Billy Mitchell, Ira C. Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle. His work can be found in museums, parks, churches, public buildings, universities, halls of fame and private collections around the world.
Over the years McKenna has received many awards, including the University of Notre Dame's 1962 Emil Jacques Medal of Fine Arts and the 2001 Rev. Anthony J. Lauck Award. He is an Artist-Fellow of the American Society of Aviation Artists and a Member of the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts.
It is to remain shrouded in mystery and anticipation until 2 p.m. June 6, when it will be unveiled and blessed. The liturgy of unveiling, dedication and blessing will be at the front of church, where the statue has been placed on a base at the edge of the patio.
Bishop William Bullock is scheduled to attend the unveiling ceremonies.
As part of St. Victor's 150th anniversary celebration, the statue gives honor to an important part of the parish's life for nearly 40 years, the Apostolate to the Handicapped program and to Monsignor Campion.
Donated by Skip Brennan, a member of the parish, the statue is the work of sculptor Jerry McKenna, Boerne, Texas.
"The (Apostolate) program has had an amazing effect on the entire community, and Skip wanted it as a memorial to Monsignor and all the people in the area," Father Mike Klarer said, Monday.
People, both young and old, have been a part of the ministry of "Campion's Champions" for generations.
Monsignor Campion brought the Apostolate to the Handicapped with him when he came to Monroe in 1971.
Since that time, the people of St. Victor and the surrounding area have provided a home for the program that not only cares for the elderly and handicapped, but also provides spiritual opportunities for others, especially youth.
Young people push wheel chairs at Monroe High School and participate in the televised Apostolate to the Handicapped Mass, as well as promote the organization's "Campion's Champions" slogan and logo on a variety of T-shirts.
"Many people have gone into working with the handicapped and elderly because of this program," Klarer said.
He said his own vocation was influenced by the Apostolate. Klarer has been involved with the program since he was a senior in high school and during his seminary training.
McKenna is notable in the area for his statue of Barry Alvarez at Camp Randall, Madison. But, he also has national accolades, particularity in the sports world.
He was named the 2003 Sports Sculptor of the Year by the All-American Football Foundation in recognition of his seventeen portrait busts in the Pro Hall of Fame. McKenna has also produced a sculpture of Knute Rockne, which stands in the College Football Hall of Fame, sculptures of Charles A. Comiskey at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Frank Leahy and Moose Krause at Notre Dame Stadium, Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch for the University of Wisconsin and many others.
He has also done several religious art pieces for churches in the United States. In 1987, he was chosen to create the Processional Cross for the mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II in San Antonio.
A former Air Force officer and decorated Vietnam veteran, his early recognition came from his bronze portraits of famous Air Force leaders such as generals Billy Mitchell, Ira C. Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle. His work can be found in museums, parks, churches, public buildings, universities, halls of fame and private collections around the world.
Over the years McKenna has received many awards, including the University of Notre Dame's 1962 Emil Jacques Medal of Fine Arts and the 2001 Rev. Anthony J. Lauck Award. He is an Artist-Fellow of the American Society of Aviation Artists and a Member of the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts.