Centennial photo display to travel diocese
By KATIE LEFEBVRE
Globe staff reporter
Posted August 1, 2002

At the Centennial Mass for the diocese, there was a photo display that represents the last 100 years of the diocese. It has become a traveling display.

The display was created by G.R. Lindblade & Company Productions and consist of 19, 30-by-40 inch full color panels.

The pictures were compiled from several different sources around the diocese. George Lindblade had taken some of the pictures him self or had acquired them throughout the years. Other pictures were from the archives of the Diocese of Sioux City which Sister Kevin Cummings gave them access. Anniversary books from different parishes were also used for pictures and information.

"We tried to have a cross-section of old and new," said LouAnn Lindblade. "We wanted to summarize the history of the diocese."

Pictures of Bishops Soens and DiNardo were put into the display as well as previous bishops. The most recent photos were of the Pilgrimage on Wheels and centennial events.

Currently, the display is in the chapel at Holy Spirit Nursing Home in Sioux City. Residents of the nursing home are able to view the display after Mass and whenever they are in the chapel.

"The residents enjoy it, especially the priests," said Anne Hamman, office manager at Holy Spirit. "I'm sure they are saying, 'I remember that' or 'That is me', but I'm not there to hear it. It is good to have it in setting where there are elderly."

"The display is very impressive," said Victoria Wendt, a resident at Holy Spirit. Her uncle, Father George Cesna, is in a picture of a first Communion class at St. Casimir Parish in Sioux City along with her brother and sister. "My children came to visit and they got to see it too."

The different parts of the display are placed around the chapel so that the residents can walk or roll their wheelchair around to see them.

"I know at least three or four of the bishops in the pictures," said Lee Smith, a resident of the assisted living part of Holy Spirit. She noticed that some of the pictures reminded her of when she went to St. Joseph's Grade School, even though she wasn't in the pictures. "Bishop Heelan used to visit us in the classroom."

Pat Lichty, public relations representative for Holy Spirit commented that the residents look at the display all the time.

"We wanted the display to go to Holy Spirit first because they are a part of where we are now," said Kay Morrissey, director of adult and family ministry for the Diocese of Sioux City. "We feel that they are enjoying it."

The hope of the traveling display is to have it reach all of the parishes in the different deaneries. The schedule has not yet been set, but it is being worked on.

"We want people to get a glimpse of the diocese," said Morrissey. "We are very grateful for the Lindblades. They are very gracious about sharing their talents."