High school dedicates statue of namesake patrons

By Patty Gabriel

Holy Family High School in Broomfield celebrated the blessing of its new Holy Family statue on Oct. 19.  The statue was dedicated to the entire community of students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends in a ceremony that emphasized the importance of family and of faith. 

The bronze replaces, for the high school, the statue that remains in northwest Denver with Holy Family Parish.  The original piece was the center of many of the high school, grade school and parish traditions when the three shared the Utica Street campus.  Those traditions were the inspiration for acquiring the new sculpture.

The ceremonies began with a Mass in the gymnasium attended by more than 400 community members.  Father Greg Ames was the main celebrant. Concelebrants were Father Ken Liuzzi, Father Ken Leone and Father Martin Lally.  Each of these priests has a special tie to the school.  Father Ames is the school chaplain. Father Liuzzi is the former dean of students, athletic director, and a current board of trustees member.  Father Lally is a 1968 alumnus and former student body president.

Principal Mike Gabriel told the attendees the long-term goal for the statue and its location is a meditation and prayer grotto for the school’s community.

Following the Mass, the congregation followed the sound of bagpipes to the blessing and unveiling of the statue on the east lawn of the school. Gabriel told of the journey of obtaining the latest addition to the campus.  He spoke of the generosity of the entire community who provided the Holy Family statue for the school and who also supplied everything needed for the celebration. 

“The blessings bestowed on the school over the last 10 years and especially today are a reminder of the strength of our community and the family of faith that is Holy Family,” Gabriel said.

The bronze is the work of Brian Hanlon of Toms River, N.J.  Hanlon has done work for the Church of the Risen Christ, Arrupe Jesuit High School and Regis University.  He is also known for his work at the site of the World Trade Center and for the National Basketball Hall of Fame.