Saint Mother Théodore Guérin (Clark) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Mother Théodore Guérin |
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| Artist | Teresa Clark (sculptor) |
| Year | 2006 |
| Type | Indiana limestone |
| Dimensions | 200 cm (78 in) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| 38°55′28.57″N 77°0′22.86″W / 38.9246028°N 77.0063500°W | |
| Owner | Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception |
The statue of Saint Mother Théodore Guérin is a beautiful piece of public art. It was created by American artist Teresa Clark. You can find it at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., United States. This statue honors Saint Mother Théodore Guérin. It was a special gift from the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
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What the Statue Looks Like
This statue shows Saint Mother Théodore Guérin standing tall. It is about 6 and a half feet (78 inches) high. The statue is made from a special stone called Indiana limestone.
She is wearing a traditional nun's habit, which is the clothing nuns wear. A rosary hangs from her waist. She looks straight ahead, as if she is thinking deeply.
Her left arm is held close to her chest. In her hand, she holds the cross that hangs from her neck. Her right arm reaches out in front of her. Her hand is open, as if she is ready to hold someone's hand. Her right foot steps forward.
The statue stands on a base made of limestone. This base sits on another base made of granite. Pretty flowers are planted all around the statue.
About the Artist
The artist, Teresa Clark, moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, in the spring of 2005. Soon after, she was asked to create this statue of Saint Mother Théodore Guérin.
Even though she wasn't religious at first, the story of the Saint deeply touched her. In 2006, when she was 50 years old, Teresa Clark became a Catholic.
A skilled stone carver named Nick Fairplay helped carve the sculpture. He is from Oberlin, Ohio.
How the Statue Was Made
Teresa Clark felt that creating this sculpture helped her a lot in her own life. She said that using her hands to create a person who was so full of faith was a very special experience. She even felt the Saint's presence sometimes while working.
Plans for the sculpture began in 2004. It took Teresa Clark more than a year to carve the statue. She finished it in early 2006.
After the design was approved, a mold was made from fiberglass. Then, the sculpture was sent to Nick Fairplay's studio for the final carving. The Indiana limestone used for the statue came from the Victor Oolitic Stone Company in Oolitic, Indiana.
Bringing the Statue to Life
The statue was a gift from the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. It was placed in Mary's Garden at the National Shrine. This is on the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
The statue was officially dedicated on May 10, 2008. More than 450 people came to the ceremony, including Teresa Clark. After a special church service, Archbishop Pietro Sambi blessed the sculpture. A party was held afterward at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.
Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi said the sculpture was a "wonderful addition" to the garden.
