Holy Family statue dedicated

A statue of the Holy Family, located at the entrance of Ascension Cemetery in Wichita, was dedicated Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The statue completes the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation memorial to the Holy Family Center that was established in 1965 by the Diocese of Wichita for children with disabilities.

The statue is engraved with the words: “Remembering those who sacrificed to create the mission of the Holy Family Center, and to inspire those who continue the mission of the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation – for all those who have proclaimed that we are ‘wonderfully made.’”

Jessica Lopez, the director of the Ministry With Persons With Disabilities, described the statue as absolutely beautiful. “It is such a joy to see how many people are so passionate about ensuring the Holy Family Center’s legacy continues. It is a true blessing to see the wonderful work of the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation. I am grateful to be a part of it.”

Tom Racunis, a former director of the Ministry With Persons With Disabilities, conceived the idea of a memorial. A statue of the Holy Family was always part of the vision for the memorial but was deferred because of the overall cost.

Racunis’ successor, Myra Jacobs, who recently retired, was inspired to complete the memorial with the statue.

A reception was held at the Spiritual Life Center, located next to the cemetery. About 40 attended.