Dedication set for St. Francis statue and stream at Trinity Heights

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
September 23, 2004

The manmade stream at Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Inc. gently flows to a pond near the base of the new St. Francis of Assisi statue. These additions to the grounds of Trinity Heights in Sioux City - the statue and stream - will be dedicated on Oct. 3, the vigil of the Feast of St. Francis.

Msgr. Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator, will bless the statue and stream during a 2 p.m. service.

According to Larry Walsh, the prayer service will be led primarily by the Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Shirley Fineran will share the history of St. Francis. Sister Michaela Galles will offer a Scripture reading. Sister Mary Jane Koenigs will present a reflection as will Sister Jean Beringer. All Franciscan sisters in the area have been invited and are welcome to attend the dedication.

"We feel the stream epitomizes the ecology that St. Francis brings with his dedication to the land, the animals and birds. The tranquility in the soft, bubbling stream brings out St. Francis as a man of peace in this place of peace," said Walsh, who is a member of Trinity Heights board and serves on the spiritual committee.

He pointed out that the designers of the stream intentionally crafted it with small waterfalls in order to maximize the sound of flowing water. The stream starts at what would appear to resemble a natural spring, near the shrine of Our Lady of Knock. It gently travels in the rock-lined stream bed, flowing under the bridge that visitors use to enter the outdoor cathedral area from the parking lot.

Sculptor Dale Lamphere made the six-foot gold-tone bronze statue of St. Francis. This is the fourth work by the artist to be placed at Trinity Heights. Lamphere's first piece at Trinity Heights was the 30-foot stainless steel Immaculate Heart of Mary statue that was placed on the Mound of Mary in 1992. The 33-foot stainless steel statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus that was dedicated in 1999 was the second and a bronze statue of St. Michael, which greets visitors at the entrance of Trinity Heights, was the artist's third piece to be featured.

Walsh mentioned that the artist was on hand this summer to determine the exact placement of the St. Francis statue.

"We think the statue is a perfect reflection of St. Francis with his respect of all of God's creatures as he holds in his hand, a beautiful dove," said Walsh.

The Prayer of St. Francis will be used as the closing for the dedication service on Oct. 3. Following the ceremony, there will be a social gathering in the Marian Center at Trinity Heights. There will be an opportunity to meet the artist and hear his reflections about this image of St. Francis.

"We invite anyone to come to this place of peace and reflect on the life of St. Francis, who was one that was dedicated to poverty, humility, respect and obedience to church authority," said Walsh. "Come share in the life of St. Francis."

St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan Order, was born to a rich clothing merchant and opted to leave his worldly possessions after a profound conversion experience. He was known to truly spread the Gospel, preaching purity and peace.

He died on Oct. 3, 1226 at the age of 44.

The statue of St. Francis is just one of the saints featured at Trinity Heights. Presently, Trinity Heights is working on the Way of Saints, which features a variety of saints from Padre Pio to St. Therese of Lisieux. Plans are to complete this area later this fall. It will be dedicated next year.