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Class of 2012 - Class GiftClass of 2012 - Class Gift
The statue of Our Lady that graces the garden near the entrance to the school came to St. Mary's as a gift from the late Kathleen Ryan, purchased with her life's savings at age seven. Kevin Ryan, Kathy's younger brother, remembers his family purchasing the statue:
"I went with Dad to a statuary/foundry on the waterfront in Boston, and can still picture the DOZENS of Blessed Virgins inside! The statue came home in the back of the station wagon, wrapped in that light green comforter that was always around. At the same time, we also got a smaller version - for the back yard at White Oak Lane. Dad took the statue out of the station wagon and, still wrapped in the comforter, the statue spent the night on the lawn next to the driveway.
It just occurred to me - one VERY important thing for everyone involved in this to understand is that the statue was, and is, a gift from Kathy herself. The funds to pay for the statue came completely from Kathy's savings bank account - what turned out to be her life savings. They were used to honor the school, the nuns, and the parish. Remember the original inscription? The second line said "FROM KATHLEEN RYAN" - not "in memory of..."
For over 50 years, her gift has been an important expression of faith for our community as part of many living rosary and May crowning prayers, as well as the centerpiece of many First Holy Communion and Confirmation pictures.
Time and the elements have taken a toll on the condition of the statue and our 8th grade families were determined to lead the restoration efforts this year. At the end of each day at Saint Mary's School, we prayed The Memorare, asking our Blessed Mother for protection, help, and mercy. We were humbled by the extent to which she answered our prayers. She led us to members of Kathleen's friends and family, even those at a great distance. She inspired Father Metzler to give us his blessing. She motivated members of our school community to help financially. At every turn she brought us people that wanted to honor her by participating in this project, including the landscape designer that graduated from Saint Mary's School.
It is with great joy that we, the Class of 2012, offer the gift of the refurbished statue and garden area to our dear Saint Mary's School and to our Holy Queen herself. May she continue to watch over us all and lead us to her son, Jesus. May she forever be our light, our sweetness and our hope.
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