The newly restored outdoor crucifix at St. Boniface Catholic Church was unveiled and blessed during a ceremony earlier this month.
The crucifix is located on the Court Street entrance to the church property in Monee. Believed to be decades old, its Corpus was badly damaged and needed to be replaced.
A Corpus – Latin for “body”– is a representation of Jesus on the cross. The crucifix emphasizes Jesus’ sacrifice, including his death by crucifixion, which Christians believe brought about the redemption of mankind.
Church officials said it was unknown how the Corpus was damaged.
“The Corpus that was on the outdoor crucifix previously had been repaired by parishioner Bernie Van Etten and repairs lasted a number of years,” noted Erwin Bogs, Parish Council President and Minister of Care.
“Last Easter, it had fallen into disrepair and had to be removed from the cross.
“Father Thomas Milota, St. Boniface pastor, told us to pursue a replacement for the cross, which we did. The decision was made to bless the new Corpus in conjunction with Palm Sunday and the blessing of palms.
“Our secretary, Kathy Short, and her husband were instrumental in the search for the new Corpus.”
Earlier this year, St. Boniface Church was tagged for Historic Landmark status by the Will County Historic Preservation Commission. Built in 1868, St. Boniface Catholic Church, 5304 W. Main Street, is actually older than the village, which was incorporated in 1874.
Historic Landmark status is an honorary designation and a protective one, as well.
Landmark status does not mean a property cannot change, but it does help to assure the historic character of the property will be preserved in a manner compatible with its history and with the property owner’s needs.
St.Boniface’s Historic Landmark designation is expected to be finalized this spring.