Florida Catholic | Bishop Blesses Statue

Bishop blesses high school’s statue of Blessed Mother

TOM MIDDLEMISS | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10.26.07

Bishop Frank J. Dewane leads St. John Neumann High School students to the school courtyard, where he blessed a statue of the Virgin Mary on Oct. 16 in Naples.
TIM MIDDLEMISS | FC

NAPLES | Bishop Frank J. Dewane blessed a new statue of the Virgin Mary at St. John Neumann High School on Oct. 16. The figure — a 5-foot replica of the mother of God with open arms — was a gift from the 2007 graduating class.

It is tradition at St. John Neumann High School for graduating seniors to leave behind a gift. The 2007 graduates raised $1,500 to purchase the figure, which stands in the school’s courtyard.

Although the 2007 graduating class could not attend the blessing, most of the school’s 215 current students surrounded Bishop Dewane as he blessed the statue with holy water and prayers. The Virgin Mary has always been significant to the bishop, who recalls praying the rosary as a child.

“The mother of Jesus Christ — her acceptance of the will of God in her life, in what she was to endure in being the mother of our Savior — reminds me that we are all called in our life to accept and follow the will of God, and that includes the sacrifices that are implied in the acceptance of that,” he said.

Bishop Dewane also places his pastoral ministry under the protection of the Blessed Virgin, and this is symbolized on his coat of arms by a blue star. The blue star also recalls the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States and the Marian devotion of Pope John Paul II, whom the bishop served while working for the Holy See.

St. John Neumann High School principal Laura Campbell said the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary would help inspire the student body.

“The presence of the Blessed Mother at St. John Neumann High School will remind students of their responsibility to go forward as role models for our faith,” Campbell said.

Before Bishop Dewane blessed the Virgin Mary figure, he celebrated Mass with students, teachers and staff members.

During his homily in the school gymnasium, Bishop Dewane urged the students to research the history of their first and middle names.

Using St. Patrick as an example, the bishop queried the students about the background of the renowned Irish saint who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle.

“We all know his feast day falls on March 17, but what is he famous for?” asked Bishop Dewane, smiling.

Following his Mass and outdoor blessing, Bishop Dewane received a bag of gifts — including a seat cushion for future football games — decked in green and gold, the high school’s colors. Seniors Kelsey McGregor and Marc Anthony Rosa presented the bishop with the “Celtic Pride” goodies before they headed back to their studies.

Return to Diocese of Venice Front Page

Bishop blesses high school’s statue of Blessed Mother

Other Stories