Trinity Heights holds dedication and blessing ceremony for St. Francis Statue

By JULIE KEANE, Globe staff reporter
October 7, 2004

Many throughout the Diocese of Sioux City gathered at Trinity Heights on Sunday for the dedication and blessing of the statue of St. Francis of Assisi.

The afternoon started with Sister Shirley Fineran, OSF, talking about the life of St. Francis. She talked about how Francis, throughout his life, acted in the reflection of Jesus.

"Francis gave himself completely to following all that Jesus said and did as he took on a new life - a life contrary to his family and society," Sister Shirley said. "He lived the Gospel intensely, joyfully and selflessly. As Francis continued to live the Gospel, both men and women followed."

She added that still today hundreds of men and women worldwide have continued to be followers of St. Francis.

"The presence here today of all of us and the inclusion of St. Francis of Assisi at Trinity Heights give witness to the relevance of his message in our lives today," Sister Shirley said. "We look to Francis for peace and non-violence."

Sister Shirley continued with the opening prayer, which led to the reading of Genesis 1:27-31 read by Sister Michaela Galles, OSF. Before starting the reading, Sister Michaela called on all who were present to reflect on their own relationship with creation and God.

Sister Janet May, OSF, continued the dedication with an introduction to The Canticle of the Sun. She told how Francis would pray in the hills around Assisi and how in those hills Francis received his stigmata. After that time, he composed The Canticle of the Sun. Sister Janet encouraged all to write their own canticle of praise. Both Sister Janet May, OSF, and Sister Grace Ann Witte, OSF, read The Canticle of the Sun for all who attended.

Sister Mary Jane Koenigs, OSF, gave a reflection about St. Francis and the importance of living life in the image of God and St. Francis. Following the reflection, Sister Jean Beringer read the Litany of Creation.

Afterwards, Msgr. Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator, blessed the statue.

"Today we gather as a faith community to call your blessing upon this holy image of St. Francis of Assisi," he prayed. "May he be for all of us a source of your rich blessing and a gateway to your most loving presence. May the example he gave us of treating all of creation as brother and sister be a daily reminder to come to Trinity Heights to live reverence and respect with brothers and sisters of all creation. Like St. Francis, may we value living life simply, embracing the poor of society with compassion and celebrating the goodness of each person."

Charlene Berger, parishioner of Blessed Sacrament in Sioux City, said attending the dedication and blessing helped her understand the spirit of St. Francis.

"I wanted to come up here to see the statue and love nature," Berger said. "I am going to go to Italy and Assisi in November. I have heard people say that Assisi is a very holy and spiritual place and that you can feel his spirit there. It was such a beautiful day."

Mary Ellen Jahn, parishioner at Immaculate Conception in Moville, said the service helped her apply what Francis did in his life to what she does in her every day life.

"I wanted to show my support because I believe these are the things we should go see and do," Jahn said. "I felt very comforted after hearing and seeing the ceremony. All of the readings were very appropriate and made food for thought. This improved my faith a lot. Nothing could shake my faith, but this improved it. I thought the service went lovely. It was terrific."