Blessing of Saint Benedict and
Saint Scholastica Statues

A blessing of our new marble statues of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica was held on October 2, 2005. Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Archabbot of Saint Vincent was on hand to perform the blessing. The statues were donated by Francis and Nancy Krug.

The statues of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica were designed in 2003 by Angelo Gherardi of Mazzolini Artcraft Company in Cleveland, Ohio, and carved from white carra marble by Mauro Bigarani, of Dolfi Statuary and Marble Works in Carrara, Italy. Each statues weighs 890 pounds and states
 over 5 feet tall.

Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica are each holding a bronze crozier, or staff, which symbolizes thier role as a religious superior.  They are also holding a copy of the Sacra Regula, or Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, which was written in the 6th century for monks and nuns living in a monastic community. Though written for monks and nuns, the Holy Rule has proved to be a treasury of wisdom for all Christians who wish to follow the teachings of Christ.

The chalice in Saint Benedict’s hand symbolizes the sacrifice of his life to God.  The raven at his feet has a poisoned piece of bread in its beak which the bird took away from Saint Benedict before it could harm him.

At the time of his twin’s death, Saint Benedict saw Saint Scholastica’s soul rising to Heaven in the form of a dove. Thus, a dove accompanies the image of Saint Scholastica.

The Krug Family

Father Vincent, Francis and Nancy Krug and Archabbot Douglas
 in front of Saint Scholastica

Updated
September 13, 2008