St Francis of Assisi Statue

Gazing up at the St Francis of Assisi Statue, one can almost hear the faint echoes of a 20th-century Dominican priest’s laughter. This priest, a world-renowned sculptor named Thomas McGlynn, created this jubilant bronze portrait of the 13th-century saint. The St Francis of Assisi Statue currently resides at Loyola University Chicago, in the office of Vice Chancellor John Costello. The journey of this statue is a story of dreams deferred, rekindled, and ultimately fulfilled. Father McGlynn’s artistic journey started at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in New York. There, he crafted the astounding Baptismal Font and the deeply human face of St. Martin de Porres. He later sculpted a widely recognized image of Our Lady of Fatima, based on a personal account from Sister Lucy, a visionary. Father McGlynn also spent years in Pietrasanta, the heart of marble sculpture, where he was a beloved figure among the artists. His reputation reached William F. Hartnett, the owner of Lake Point Towers in Chicago. Hartnett envisioned a magnificent fountain in his building’s central court, a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi. He commissioned Father McGlynn to bring this dream to life. McGlynn poured his heart into the project. He envisioned St. Francis as the conductor of a “Hymn of the Universe,” leading a symphony of creatures. Sadly, Hartnett’s dream remained unfulfilled in its grand scale. However, a limited edition of ten 13-inch bronze statues of St. Francis as Maestro was cast. Hartnett gifted one to his Uncle Frank Pennino, who later bequeathed it to Loyola University Chicago’s Museum of Art. The St Francis of Assisi Statue, once destined for a grand fountain, found a new home. It briefly resided at the university’s law school before settling into Vice Chancellor Costello’s office, overlooking the bustling Water Tower Place, a stone’s throw from Hartnett’s original envisioned location. The St Francis of Assisi Statue stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of art, faith, and unexpected journeys. It’s a reminder that even unrealized dreams can leave behind beautiful and enduring legacies.