TH E J O U RN EY O F SAI NT FRAN CIS Saint Francis of Assisi has a special place in Marian Regional Medical Center (Marian) history. Saint Francis is the patron of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Marian’s founding sponsors. He is known as the model of brotherly love for all creation—a model that all members of the Marian family commit to model in our human compassion and kindness for all we serve.
This special Saint Francis was created by Reto Demetz of the Demetz Studio of Ortisei, Italy, an internationally recognized creator of religious art. The stone from which Francis was crafted was taken from the ranges of Carrara, Italy—the same region from which Michelangelo secured the marble he used to create his great works like the Pieta, now displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
This summer a special Francis was welcomed to the Marian campus thanks to the generosity of the Robert and Marcia Ibsen family, and to the vision of Sister Patricia Rayburn, OSF, Provincial Minister for the Sisters of Saint Francis. When the new hospital was nearing completion, the Sisters felt a Francis of some stature was called for against the large scale of the facility. In Sister Pat’s words, “A Francis that is a comforting, healing presences to all who enter the campus.”
The creation of this likeness commenced in November of 2011 and was completed in June of 2012. He weighs 10, 150 pounds. He was transported by boat from Italy to Long Beach, California, and continued by ground transport to Santa Maria. He was placed at the entrance to the Marian campus on Saturday, July 13, 2013.
A likeness that modeled the Saint Francis known to Gubio, Italy was selected. As the story goes, a fierce wolf was terrorizing the village of Gubio. Seeking out this wild wolf, Saint Francis approached him, quietly calling him, “Brother wolf” and gently tamed him to become a guardian and protector of the people of Gubio. Hence, the likeness of Saint Francis as guardian and protector to all patients, families and visitors entering Marian enjoy the peaceful welcome of his safe and comforting presence.
The Ibsen Family provided the gift to create Saint Francis in honor of the Sisters of Saint Francis and their health care ministry at Marian Regional Medical Center. The Sisters, and all members of the Marian family extend their tremendous gratitude to Robert and Marcia Ibsen and Family for their friendship and support of Marian’s healing work. This beautiful likeness will forever serve as a comforting healing presence to all who enter the Marian campus.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF ST. FRANCIS Artist Reto Demetz of the Demetz Studio of Ortisei, Italy shown with his wooden carving sitting atop the block of marble used to create Saint Francis.
Sculpting of the carrera marble stone in progress as the likeness starts to emerge.
Saint Francis near completion shown with the wooden carving used to guide the process.
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