A generous gift

GOOD SHEPHERD  Msgr. Martin McDonnell blesses the new Good Shepherd statue outside Good Shepherd Church in Andover assisted by Deacon Keith Harris. The statue was a generous gift from a long-time parishioner and imported from Italy.

ANDOVER  Parishioners of Good Shepherd here gathered Aug. 13 as the sun was setting over the local farms to bless and dedicate two new additions to the space around the parish building. The first was a special tree dedicated to the memory of Msgr. Richard Steiger, the parish’s founding pastor. The dogwood tree was graciously donated by Gardens of the World, in Andover. A special footstone was mounted beneath the tree that was donated by Family Monuments Northwest, in Stanhope.

Following the tree dedication, the gathering shifted to the hill in front of the building to bless a new statue of the Good Shepherd. The statue was custom designed for the parish by The Italian Marble Company in the Tuscany Region of Italy. After making the trek across the Atlantic by ship, the statue arrived July 13 and was placed on its pedestal later that day with the help of Hopatcong Rigging Company. The statue is an eight-foot representation of Jesus as the Good Shepherd with two lambs — one in his arms and one at his feet.

Father Martin McDonnell, pastor emeritus of the parish, who celebrated the blessing, spoke of the symbolism behind the statue’s design. The lamb beside the Good Shepherd represents all who follow Christ during their daily lives when things are good and life seems easy. The other lamb, held closely in the arms of the Good Shepherd, reminds us how Christ carries us through the most trying times — when Christ’s love and support is needed the most. Additionally, this Good Shepherd is different than so many other Good Shepherd depictions because of the crown of thrones. This is meant to remind us that through the Cross, Good Friday, and the Resurrection of Jesus, Catholics have reason to be hopeful and faithful in their lives.

It was Father McDonnell’s vision to bring the statue to life outside the church and look out over the fields and the road that crosses nearby. The statue not only welcomes all who enter the parish grounds, but gives a visual representation of the parish community to all who drive, bike, or walk by. The purchase of the statue was made possible through the generous gift of a long- time Good Shepherd parishioner.

For photos and a video of the statue’s arrival, go to GoodShepherdRC.org.