Photo courtesy of Chaminade University
Counting his base, Blessed Chaminade tops 12 feet two inches.
The new larger-than-life bronze statue of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade stands in the oval gardens of the shared grounds of Chaminade University, Marianist Center of Hawaii and Saint Louis School, visible from the campus’ Waialae Avenue main entrance as a sentinel for the Marianist mission and identity, an apt image for students who want to make an impact.
The 3,000-pound sculpture, which tops 10 feet, two inches above a two-foot high pedestal, was mounted on Nov. 18 and dedicated on Jan. 22.
It was created by Joe Aspell, a renowned sculptor and former Marianist brother.
The blessing of the statue was attended by more than 500 people from the joint campuses, alumni, plus students and leadership from nearby Sacred Hearts Academy. The ceremony followed a campus Mass honoring Blessed Chaminade and was part of the joint campuses’ celebration of Founders’ Week.
Blessed Chaminade is the priest who founded the Marianist Order, also known as the Society of Mary, which established Saint Louis School and Chaminade University in Honolulu.
The statue was commissioned to honor the 250th anniversary of Blessed Chaminade’s birth.
Blessed Chaminade was a French priest who escaped to Spain during the French Revolution after refusing to take the oath of fidelity all clergy were ordered to swear. Upon his return to Bordeaux after the revolution, he brought together an eclectic group of merchants, priests, teachers, chimney sweeps, former soldiers and others who drew their inspiration from Mary and believed strongly in service to youth and the poor. They became the Society of Mary, or Marianists.
The statue depicts Father Chaminade as a young man returning to France from his exile in Saragossa, Spain. He is shown on the move, about to begin his mission. The book in his arm is a symbol of the Marianist quest for knowledge through faith and reason.
Aspell created the original work in San Francisco. It was cast at the Art Foundry in Sacramento, transported to Oakland and then shipped to Honolulu. Horizon Lines donated the shipping from Oakland to Honolulu. William F. Anonsen, managing partner and principal with the Maritime Group/Amergent Techs assisted in the transportation.
Smaller versions of the statue have been installed at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and at the Marianist Provincial Office in St. Louis, Mo. One of similar size also stands on the campus of the University of Dayton in Ohio. St. Mary’s, the University of Dayton and Chaminade are all Marianist-sponsored universities.
