St. Coletta’s of Illinois invites community to “Save Our Legacy” with Blessed Mother statue ornament

St. Coletta’s of Illinois is inviting community members, alumni, families and friends to help Save Our Legacy by purchasing a special $25 Blessed Mother statue ornament. Proceeds from ornament sales will help fund a protective structure for St. Coletta’s historic Blessed Mother statue, preserving the cherished landmark for generations to come.

The marble Blessed Mother statue has stood on the St. Coletta’s campus since the early days of St. Coletta’s and Kennedy School. Featuring likenesses of boys who once attended Kennedy School, the statue is more than a beautiful piece of art—it is a treasured connection to the people, memories and history that helped shape St. Coletta’s.

For generations of students, families and staff, the statue has been a source of comfort, faith and connection. It also holds a special place in the organization’s identity, appearing in the St. Coletta’s logo.

Today, years of exposure to the elements have taken a toll on the marble sculpture. St. Coletta’s is raising funds to construct a protective structure around the statue, shielding it from further weather damage while allowing it to remain a visible and meaningful part of the campus.

The Blessed Mother Statue Ornament, available for $25, offers supporters a special way to help protect this piece of St. Coletta’s history while taking home a cherished keepsake of their own.

“This statue has been part of St. Coletta’s story for generations,” said St. Coletta’s CEO Heather Benedick. “It represents the people who came before us and the legacy of compassion, faith and care that continues today. We hope this ornament gives our community a meaningful way to help us protect something that is so precious to St. Coletta’s.”

Every $25 ornament purchased will help bring St. Coletta’s closer to its goal of protecting the statue from the elements and ensuring that future generations can experience its beauty and significance.

Help us Save Our Legacy. Take home a keepsake and help protect our beloved Blessed Mother statue for generations to come.

Ornaments are available for $25 and can be purchased in the St. Coletta’s main lobby during regular business hours. Please note that payment must be made by cash or check; credit cards cannot be accepted. To learn more, visit www.stcolettasofil.org or call 708-342-5200.

About St. Coletta’s of Illinois

Founded in 1949 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Coletta’s of Illinois serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, residential services, vocational training, behavioral health services and other lifelong supports. St. Coletta’s is committed to helping each individual achieve their greatest potential, discover purpose, increase independence and become an active part of their community.