By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer
A statue of the Blessed Mother that stood for more than 80 years at the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Ashland has re-emerged from storage – after the school closed its doors in June 2007 – continuing to inspire the faithful at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland.
The statue was officially rededicated May 11 by Father Paul Rothermel, pastor, to the school’s former students the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the parish and the faithful of Ashland.
When Cardinal Brennan High School closed its doors at the end of the 2006-07 school year, many of the school’s statues, art and other memorabilia were preserved – include the statue of the Blessed Mother that greeted students, staff and visitors at the outdoor entrance.
The statue was reportedly purchased by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who helped lead the school that was founded in 1927 as Immaculate Heart Academy.
The all-girl school later became a co-ed school as Immaculate Heart High School in 1952. In 1968 it was renamed Cardinal Brennan High School after it merged with Shenandoah Catholic High School.
According to former principal Father Robert Finlan, now pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, the statue and the original grotto were disassembled, and the statue was put into storage to accommodate the building of the new gym.
In 2003, the statue was brought out of storage and the grotto was rebuilt using the stones from the original grotto. And through all the name changes and merger, the Blessed Mother was the first religious symbol people encountered as they entered the campus from 1927 to 2007.
“The grotto and statue are intertwined with the sisters and the original name of the school. It’s wonderful that the statue is back among the faithful,” said Father Finlan.
Last August, the Allentown Diocese removed the statue from storage and contacted St. Charles Borromeo, asking the parish if they were interested in taking care of the statue.
Anxious to preserve the memory of Cardinal Brennan High School and the statue that greeted thousands of students, staff and visitors, the parish welcomed the opportunity to make the statue part of its parish community, where she continues to welcome God’s people.
Like the outdoor location where the statue was on display, the parish opted to place the statue outside Aug. 17 on the steps of the former Immaculate Heart of Mary convent next door to the parish.
“We at St. Charles Borromeo Parish hope that the new location will serve as a memorial to all those who passed through the doors of Immaculate Heart Academy, Immaculate Heart High School and Cardinal Brennan High School,” said Shannon Butler, staff member at St. Charles.
“The statue means a lot to the community here.”
Persons interested in contributing toward the expenses accrued by relocating the statue and a paint restoration, call the parish office at 570-875-1521. Contributions can also be given through weekend collection baskets or dropped off at St. Charles Borromeo, 1115 Walnut St., Ashland.
