The Angel Statue in Le Coeur
By Pati Egan
How did this Guardian Angel end up at Camp Ondessonk?
In 1984, an iron and bronze half-ton statue found a new permanent home at Camp Ondessonk. According to the Camp Newsletter, dated November 1984, the statue originated in France, perhaps as early as 1790. In 1820, the statue arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, and was placed over the door of Holy Guardian Angels parish convent. It is not known why the newsletter dates the arrival in 1820 when the parish history lists the opening as 1866.
“Holy Guardian Angels is a permanently closed Catholic parish in St. Louis City, MO. The parish was founded in 1866. The parish closed in 1991.
- Year founded: 1866
- Year closed: 1991 (125 years)
- Territory merged into St. Vincent DePaul – St. Louis City (Currently Open)
Formed out of Annunciation, Saint Malachy, Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, and Saint Vincent de Paul. The parish was located west of St. Vincent de Paul Parish and north of Lafayette Park. “At the time of its organization and long after, it consisted of a large number of old and distinguished Catholic families, like the Delaneys, Barrys, Papins, Boislinieres, Primms, and Dillons. The neighborhood was one of the finest residence districts of Old St. Louis.” –Rothensteiner, p. 464 …. By 1928, parish enrollment was declining although the school still had 200 pupils.”
It stayed at the convent until it was torn down. The Guardian Angel was given to St. Vincent Church and then gifted to Camp Ondessonk.
The statue was not in good shape when it arrived at Camp. It was disassembled for transit to Camp. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Welding School donated all repair work on the statue.
I wonder if the 1,000 people who have passed this statue have any idea of the historical significance of this Angel.
I’m sure the person in France who made this statue in the late 18th century had no idea that a Catholic Youth Camp in Ozark, Illinois, would display it in a prominent place for all to enjoy and perhaps spend some time reflecting on the goodness God has given us at Camp Ondessonk.
Our Guardian Angel is located in Le Coeur – the Heart of Camp – the perfect place for it!
Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day, be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s History & Mission.
