A yearly May crowning ceremony in front of the Blessed Mother statue in front of St. Coletta’s of Illinois has a way of lifting the spirits of the children and adults who attend the school for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Tinley Park.
“We have Mass and process out, and everyone carries flowers and places them at the feet and a crown of flowers on her head,” said Heather Benedick, CEO of the nonprofit. “We have the priest tell them how comforting Mary is … and they’re reminded of it when they look at the statue.”
But the statue, which was at St. Coletta’s Palos campus for nearly 40 years before it was moved to the Tinley Park site in 2001, is deteriorating from the effects of weather. It was built to be outside, but its soft marble is showing signs of puckering and some discoloration, though that is barely apparent from a distance.
The nonprofit hopes to build a protective structure around the statue to prevent more deterioration, but needs some help with the $50,000 to $80,000 price tag. They are asking the community, alumni and friends to donate to the preservation through the website at www.st.colletasofil.org or by calling 708-342-5200.
Benedick said restoring the actual statue, which sits near the entrance to the school, could cost more than $100,000, so they are simply trying to prevent further damage.
Benedick, who has been at the school for 24 years, the first 13 as a clinical therapist, called the statue “very striking” and a place people come to pray.
“If someone wants to leave a prayer card, they can leave it there,” she said, adding a protective structure would help keep such offerings safe.
The shelter would likely be about three feet off the ground with posts and a roof, she said.
“I love the statue,” said David J., who has attended the school for years, staying in one of its cottages when younger, but now living in a group home in Markham. “I want to see it restored, to see it weatherproof, so it doesn’t get so bad.”
Faith is important to David and he participates in the monthly readings when a priest visits.
He said he enjoys arts and crafts and also appreciates being able to talk to therapists when he is upset.
Along with Mary, the statue includes representations of actual students who attended the school decades ago.
“I think it is first and foremost a representation of our mission, which has remained consistent for the 76-plus years it’s been in existence, and that is to provide services in a faith-based environment,” said Benedick. “That statue is up front speaking to every visitor about the mission.”
Benedick pointed out the special place the statue has in the hearts of the children and adults who attend the school.
“For them, the statue is a reflection of compassion,” said Benedick. “I think it’s important they feel that every day.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
