statue - saint

statue - saint

Plaster statue of Jesuit St. Francis de Hieronymo (Francis de Geronimo), painted, dressed in a cassock with a lace surplice and purple ribbon stole, holding a metal rosary crucifix. Attached to circular wood base. The people of the area attributed healing powers to this statue. It was brought to Kentucky by Father Nerinckx. In one of Fr. Nerinckx’s letters he states, “I thank God for the favors He bestows on the community and visitors through the intercession of Blessed St. Francis Hieronymo. Continue your veneration of this friend of God and ours” (Maes p. 441; Howlett p. 343).

Curator's note: Various sources mention a statue of St. Francis de Hieronymo brought by Fr. Nerinckx to St. Charles Church (Webb, "Centenary of Catholicity in Kentucky," p. 241) and to the Loretto convent infirmary (Maes, "Life of Rev. Charles Nerinckx," p. 441; Pike, "History of St. Charles Church," p. 38) and prayed to for healing. It is unclear if these are the same statues, or if one or the other came to the Heritage Center collections as #0040.

17"

Sculpture

0040