GOLDEN — An improved Sacred Heart of Jesus statue now shines from atop Lookout Mountain. The 22-foot-high limestone statue was blasted a year ago by a lightning bolt, breaking off its outstretched right hand, its left arm, right foot and damaging the base.
Monday, a rededication and blessing of the gleaming-white statue were held under a calm, blue sky.”There is a genuine reason to rejoice,” said Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput.
Every year, thousands visit the shrine, many climbing the 373 steps to the statue. The first 32 steps, said Tony Merelli, 79, of Denver, “are our family,” referring to relatives’ roles.
When Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini arrived in Denver in 1905, she stayed in Merelli’s grandfather’s home. Merelli’s brother was on the first committee to guide work on the shrine and statue in the 1950s.
Merelli was involved in the redesign of ironwork and landscaping around the statue.
Restoration began in September, said Kent Cottle, project manager for Premier Specialty Construction.
The $275,000 project included patching 60 cracks, reinforcing the statue and base, rebuilding the right hand from composite material, and installing something the statue never had before: a lightning rod.
Contributions are still needed to cover costs. They may be sent to: Sacred Heart Statue Restoration Fund, 20189 Cabrini Blvd., Golden, CO 80401.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
