The crucifix for Mystical Rose Oratory by Dale Zarrella. (Photo courtesy of Jim Muneno)
St. Damien statue for Mystical Rose Oratory by Dale Zarrella. (Photo courtesy of Jim Muneno)
By Jim Muneno
Special to the Herald
The Mystical Rose Oratory on the Chaminade University/St. Louis School campus will finally receive a permanent crucifix for its sanctuary when Chaminade chaplain Marianist Father George Cerniglia blesses one especially crafted for the chapel July 8 at the 10 a.m. Mass.
He will also bless and dedicate a statue of St. Damien of Molokai newly installed in front of the oratory.
Both pieces were created by Maui artist Dale Zarrella. The corpus, or body of Jesus, is carved out of koa and mounted on an oak cross made by Saint Louis alumni Rick Castillo. The Damien statue is made of bronze.
Mystical Rose Oratory had never had a permanent crucifix until the staff began exploring the idea and asked Zarrella to consider the project. The artist mentioned it to friends and patrons Dennis and Michelle Kleid, principals of the Jewish Philanthropic Society, and they offered to underwrite the project.
The Marianist Community of Chaminade and Saint Louis is deeply grateful for their generous gift and looks forward to thanking them, the artist and those involved in the project at the July 8 blessing. The public, especially Chaminade and St. Louis alumni, is welcome to the celebration